K-pop Industry Faces Multiple Controversies in 2024

The K-pop industry faced significant turmoil in 2024, characterized by controversies that exposed its darker sides, particularly regarding issues of copyright and interpersonal conflicts among executives. A notable incident involved Seunghan of RIIZE, who faced backlash after personal scandals, resulting in his departure from the group amidst fan protests. Additionally, the industry grappled with choreography copyright disputes, highlighted by accusations from Min Hee-jin against the girl group ILLIT, which brought attention to the lack of legal protections for choreographers. Amidst these challenges, the popularity of K-pop continues to drive global tourism, with research indicating a strong correlation between K-pop consumption and travel intentions towards South Korea. Furthermore, K-pop stars like Rosé and TWICE are increasingly targeting American audiences with new English-language releases, reflecting a shift towards global mainstream integration. As the industry evolves, stakeholders debate the balance between creativity and copyright enforcement amidst these growing pains.