2014 isn’t the worst year for Kpop. It is simply a year wherein most of us will realize that the kpop world we once run to when we want to escape reality, is also reality itself. 

With what happened so far, I was reminded that no matter how much dreams we have ahead of us, we are still bound to leave this world. Any day could be our last. We could live towards our dream or we could leave the world before we live that dream. It is sad. But there are those who live their dreams too. They work hard for years and years to finally debut, have supporters that will love them for years, go to their concerts and fansigns and everything else. Blessed are those who lived their dream. But sadly, sometimes you realize in a point in your life that your dream is not actually what makes you happy. You do realize that these idols, did not only train for years but also formed friendship with fellow trainees. They share the same dream together, they stick together and support one another to never give up and keep practicing to become better. And when they finally reach their goal as a team, it’s something wonderful and unforgettable. 

And all of a sudden, one realizes that though he is currently living their dream, they are not ultimately happy. And it’s killing them inside because they wanted this so bad, they wanted this together as a team but they realize it’s not exactly what they want or what they thought it would. This reminds me that sometimes living your dream is scary. Because you might wake up one day and realize it is not what you wanted, not what makes you truly happy. And then you end up hurting your friends that you shared the same dreams for years. You also hurt your friends disguised as fans that has been supporting you to reach your dream. But what can you really do? The truth hurts and the truth is you’re no longer happy. It does come off selfish. But are you really willing to live the rest of your life unhappy? Not truly fulfilling something you believe will make you truly happy? Again, from the first point of this text, remember we could die any day. Practically speaking, when you reach 18 years of age, an age where you are considered somewhat legal, from 18-80 years old, you only have 24,000 days in this world. Not millions. Not even 50,000 thousand. Just 24,000. 

Another thing is, we tend to forget that these idols are still people. From an ordinary person, they strived hard to become an idol. And from the idol tradition, it is not really advisable to date. Because fans want to have fantasies with their idol. But this year, dating within idols are being confirmed instead of being denied. It hurts. But i rather have the kpop industry to keep on doing that. Because I want them to change the tradition that being an idol means you cannot date. I want them to change that and make it acceptable in this industry that if you are an idol, it is okay to date. Because at the end of the day, whether you like it or not, your idol is still going to get married one day. Have a family of their own. And live happily. Do you really think your idol can continue in this kpop industry for 80 years? No. 

What I’m trying to say is, I am actually somewhat satisfied that kpop is starting to become more of reality. Because I dont really wish to have my idols continue wearing a mask, continue to hide their dating experiences or admitting if they are dating someone. Because my biases are human. And i want them to live like one despite being a celebrity. Come on, if other celeberities in other countries can get a life, why cant they?

Nope, this isnt a worst year for kpop. Its kpop being real.