Four young K-pop Idols have taken their own lives in less than two years. Let's join together to prevent another death and honor the lives of Jonghyun, Sulli, Goo Hara, and Cha In-ha.

WHY IS THIS PETITION IMPORTANT?

Numerous studies have linked the suicides of celebrities to an increase in suicides among the general population. Even if you aren’t into Kpop, millions of young people around the world are fans. The death of an idol can lead to mass suicide clusters. Furthermore, all people deserve to be treated like human beings, not disposable money-making products. 

We ask you to call for the more humane treatment of these performers by both their company and fandoms. This petition will support solutions for three issues: general health, management, and toxic fans.

HEALTH

-   Overworked idols and trainees (sometimes to unconsciousness)
-   Strict diets create serious health risks (ex: eating disorders)
-   Lack of quality mental health services (in a high suicide rate country & living in the spotlight)

SOLUTION

-   Idols and trainees complete professional monthly medical & psychiatric evaluations
-   No Body Mass Index underweight/<18 BMI (except special circumstances) 
-   Provide mental health services (therapist, psychiatrist, medication, etc) to suffering idols

MANAGEMENT

-   Many idols have sued their companies for abuse, exploitation, & financial distribution
-   “Slave contracts” last 7 years, ban dating, companies have complete control performers 
-   Cited incidents of sexual assault and harassment, and gender discrimination

SOLUTION

-   Strong background checks on employees and managers
-   Bi-annual discussion of a contract between the company and performers
-   Create a way to anonymously report incidents of abuse to law enforcement

TOXIC FANS

-   Relentlessly cyberbully and torment young idols for any normal human flaw
-   Netizens expect idols to be the image of a perfect partner (harass them if they date)
-   Extreme fans (obsessive sasengs) stalk idols and invade their privacy

SOLUTION

-   Encourage companies to take further legal action against extreme cyberbullies
-   Management & fans publicly support trainees and idols personal decisions (dating, etc)
-   Push charges against obsessive fans and increase security of idols

K-pop is a music industry from Korea notorious for its gorgeous performers, synchronized dance routines, and catchy music production. However, the industry is far less appealing behind the camera. Many may feel this petition will be ineffective. Our argument is the first step to further action is raising awareness of an issue and rallying support of people who want to change it. If fans hope to prevent more suicides by idols, then the Kpop industry must fundamentally change.

The Korea Foundation estimates that there are over 35 million fans worldwide. Let's get at least 1 million signatures! Please share with at least 25 people and encourage them to do the same. Join us!

[CONTACT US! idollscampaign@gmail.com]

[EXTRA READING & SOURCES]

https://www.byeolkorea.com/k-pop-idols-who-lawsuits-against-company/​

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/suicide-faq/index.shtml​ 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4701688/