The latest investigative work into South Korea’s K‑Pop trainee system has revealed a deeply troubling statistic: 8 out of 10 female trainees don’t menstruate.
This finding, published in a book titled K‑Pop, Idols in Wonderland by journalist Jeon Da‑hyeon, lays bare the physical and psychological costs of becoming a K‑Pop idol.
The Harsh Life of Trainees
According to Asia News Network, from early mornings to the dead of night, many female trainees are subject to extreme routines. Some begin their day at 5 a.m. and do not finish until after 2 a.m.
Many are placed under intense pressure to maintain an “ideal” body, often with little regard for what that does to their well‑being.
Diets that verge on starvation, abstaining from food for days, or even consuming nothing but water have become widespread anecdotes among former trainees.
Amenorrhea: A Silent Consequence
The absence of menstruation, medically known as amenorrhea, is one of the most alarming health consequences cited in the book.
The combination of extreme dieting, lack of rest, constant physical exertion, and psychological stress leads to hormonal disruptions.
Trainees who are still growing are especially vulnerable; missing periods is not just a matter of inconvenience but a warning sign of deeper disruptions to reproductive and hormonal health.
The Psychological Cost and Normalization
What is especially disturbing about this finding is instead of addressing the issue, the industry is normalizing it.
According to Pannchoa,com, some trainees reportedly see not getting a period as “convenient,” both because it avoids dealing with period symptoms and because it removes one more aspect of physical vulnerability or fluctuation that management might criticize.
There is also the neglect of sexual education and health monitoring, meaning many young women do not fully understand what the absence of menstruation means for their bodies.
Long-Term Health Risks
The implications of prolonged amenorrhea are serious. Aside from infertility risks, there are concerns about bone density loss, hormonal imbalances, and psychological distress.
Skipping or losing menstrual cycles over extended periods can lead to conditions that affect long‑term health, such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular issues, and potential metabolic disruptions.
Systemic Accountability
Another layer of the issue involves how these teenager trainees are positioned legally and socially.
Many are minors who are not classified as employees, meaning that many labor protections (such as strict working hours, mandatory rest, minimum health standards) do not apply in the same way as they would for regular workers.
According to The Free Library, exclusive contracts often include clauses that bind trainees with strict obligations while allowing agencies to enforce weight, appearance, and training demands without sufficient oversight.
What Should Change
The investigative report calls for stronger legal protections, better health support, mandatory education (academic and sexual health), and clearer oversight of trainee conditions.
It also urges transparency from entertainment agencies and greater public awareness, so that fans and consumers understand the real cost behind what appears as glossy, flawless performance.
This disturbing finding shatters the glamor of the industry’s outward image. It demands greater scrutiny of the systems, values, and practices behind one of the world’s most powerful cultural exports.
