as  a fan of kpop for so long, i learnt that the kpop world is not full of glitz as glamour.  the world itself is somewhat a taboo topic as they only look at the happy, cheerful side.
those who have been fans for a long time know that many people around the world try to become a kpop star, but just as many fail to achieve this goal. some would get the chance to be trained, but would eventually leave, move to a different company, or get "dropped". 
recently ahn sojin, a favoured contesrand of DSP's relity show 'Kara Project' passed away. her body was found outside an aparetment bulding, as she was confirmed dead before reaching the hospital. it was later decided that she has commited suicide << where no note was found - so i'm assumming that it was somewhat an impulse thought >>
details slowly emerge about the trigger to her suicide with the source of her suffering depression. 
as those, like myself, who follow sojin through baby kara, know that she left DSP entertainment one month ago. she was born in 1992 and had trained with the compant for 5-6 years. 
throughout the show, she had talked about babykara being her last chance, as she felt that her age was a set back for her, being older as a kpop idol and not having another opportunity to debut. 
it was obvious that sojin was a favourite in the show, as she was one of the few who had a high chance in being a member of babykara. however, lost out to youngji due to her having a bigger fan base in japan. 
hence, many fans viewed her having a strong image as she had the qualities of a leader, rather than a maknae. 
DSP then announced that the reamaining contestants to be in a group called 'April'. 
it was never announced who was in the group, as fans thought ALL of baby kara would debut in April, with Sojin being the leader, but recently DSP announced that the group 'April' would debut without Sojin. 
from a fans point of view, an idol who's trained for 6 years, begin training at the age of 16, meant a lot of sacrafices. such as: 
- educations : either they drop out of highschool and college, or they struggle to do both and are highly to futher their debut
- relationships : strict dating bans are very known as a kpop idol, hence as a 23 year old, you've probably missed out on a lot 
- family : miminal contact with family would definately put a strain on the relationship as adding parental pressure doesn't help. 
- friendships : loss with both her old friendship and bond with baby kara members as she hardly met us with old friends and wouldnt get to meet up with the other baby kara memembers. 
then having to leave due to your age, somewhat similar to having an "expirary date". and having to watch the girls you trained with, who are not only younger than you, but are arguably not as talented as you, being able to debut. is not only emotionally confusing, but mentally. 
after 6 years of training,  where a quater of your life is gone, having no means of repaying the money for the training, and knowing that the only "talent" you have is a pretty face, a nice voice and dancing skills. it's very simple to say "try to move on" or "you'll have a better future" because honestly its not for them. their sacrafices of not having proper education, not reaching their dream  and not having the proper skills to "apply" for a job << or even college >> means that you're stuck in life. 
how does one try to reconnect with old friends who are now moving on with a better career, when all they know is the know hows in a studio?
how does one start dating in your twenties as people your age are experienced with the dating culture, or are finally settling down in their own relationships? 
death is never something which should be sugar coated, nor should the kpop industry. as shown from this. the kpop world is a scary one, one which will make you sweat, bleed and even question your mentallity. 
goodbye sojin, you were such a star in my eyes. my favourite babykara member. the one who held baby kara together whether it was wiping their tears or giving a small smile. i wish i could have seen you on stage, growing as a  performer and as a person. you will definetly be dearly missed.