Exploring the Hallyu Wave 1 | Page 8

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sells” mentality. They now have a much higher expectations of how members of k-pop groups should look like and are constantly bashing those who don’t fit the idea.

There is also a ridiculous amount of bromance that can not be real within boy bands. A major source of fangirly squeals comes from any video of Super Junior involving Heechul and a member. Heechul takes bromance to another level. The amount of pictures and videos of him kissing his fellow members is in the thousands. He has no boundaries and I’m sure most instances of his wandering hands and lips are somewhere in his contract.

More often, as idols make their way towards variety shows we see them showering together, feeding each other and other activities that usually mean romance. Yes, the idols are giving fangirls and fanboys what they want to see, but I think it’s too much and it needs to be toned down. Companies should not force members of groups to sezualize themselves just so they can make more money. This problem has gotten so bad that there are even variety shows now where pretty boys have to live under one roof and sleep in the same bed.

Besides it being wrong to force people to act a certain way, the large amount of bromance we see everywhere is being misinterpreted and is effecting the lives of idols. Fans are insisting some idols are gay and push the idea towards others. It is not fair that guys have to deal with this just so they can be successful.

NOTE: these photos are the more mild versions of bromance you can find on Korean TV.