The K-pop industry is once again mired in scandal following a controversial episode of the Above the Influence podcast. The episode features a series of shocking and unverified allegations involving top-tier idols like BLACKPINK¡¯s Jennie and soloist IU. Claims ranged from prostitution rings involving entertainment agencies to personal accusations of sexual transactions with wealthy elites.
A recent episode of the Above the Influence podcast featured entrepreneur and influencer Kira, who claims to have dated Bigbang member TOP. During the conversation, Kira went on to make a series of controversial allegations, stating that some female idols are involved in prostitution with powerful and wealthy businessmen. According to her, even top-tier stars have been part of these arrangements, adding fuel to long-standing rumors about the hidden side of the K-pop industry.
In one of the podcast¡¯s most shocking moments, co-host Woohak alleged that he once met the son of a BMW heir at summer camp, who bragged about paying to sleep with Jennie of BLACKPINK. He went on to claim that he had even seen a video of the encounter, although no such footage has ever surfaced, and no evidence was presented to support the accusation. The co-host did not name the individual or confirm any details, but the shocking mention of Jennie¡¯s name quickly trended across social platforms, prompting widespread speculation and outrage.
Kira then made sweeping claims about alleged prostitution among female K-pop idols. She claimed that rich men, particularly Chinese businessmen, could pay entertainment companies to spend a night with idols ¡ª even the most famous ones. Kira stated that "there¡¯s a price tag on every celebrity" and claimed a night with IU could cost $500,000. Although she provided no evidence and it¡¯s unclear whether she has any direct knowledge of such arrangements, her statements have sparked intense criticism for irresponsibly involving real individuals and reinforcing harmful stereotypes.
As the explosive podcast episode gained traction online, global K-pop fandoms rallied to defend BLACKPINK¡¯s Jennie and soloist IU. Outraged by the serious and unverified allegations, fans flooded social media with calls for accountability, urging both idols¡¯ agencies¡ªYG Entertainment and EDAM Entertainment¡ªto take immediate legal action against the podcast hosts for defamation.
After K-pop fans slammed Wootak, he offered an Instagram explanation, writing, "All you K-pop stans freaking out rn. I am not hating on or attacking Jennie; I am simply telling a story I heard. It was not bashing out but simply repeating it because the topic was how darke K-pop industry can be and why idols have high suicide rates and how crazy these "slave" contracts can be.
Whoever clipped that left out context but honestly, hate all you want don't care. You're saying and accusing me of things that simply aren't true. you can do ten minutes of searching to find the same conspiracies and accusations about the K-pop industry. I have nothing against Jennie and brought it up because of how wild it sounds. If you want to have a meltdown every time somene criticises the industry that signs your favorite celebrities to slave contracts then be my guest but go touch some fucking grass."
However, his explanation invited further backlash, with one user writing, "There is a dark sideo K-pop, but there's no way there's a sex tape of Jennie or IU or the ability to buy them like that. You all could have been vague that some idols can be bought in private, but no, you all had to tell a big-ass lie that you can buy Jennie for 5k and fuck. Fuck that podcast."
Another wrote, "How was it in defense of Jennie and K-pop idols when after he mentions the story one of the girls says, ¡°Did it look good?¡± in reference to a rumored sex tape recorded without Jennie¡¯s knowledge? Above the Influence podcast is a joke and disgusting, and they should be sued."
A third said, "This man literally said that he saw the "sex tape" and now he is saying it is something that he simple "heard" what an a**hole. Both IU and Jennie should sue these jobless people."
One individual added, "These people are playing the victim on their ig stories and saying kpop fans are overly sensitive, yet they¡¯re the ones who made serious accusations against Jennie and IU, calling them whores and making up stories pulled straight out of their asses. STOP ACTING LIKE A VICTIM."
"Y¡¯all on this podcast better get sued by IU and Jennie¡¯s company," one added.
As of now, neither Jennie nor IU¡ªand neither of their agencies¡ªhave responded to the allegations made in the podcast.
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