Why K-Pop Stars Cover Their Tattoos

Korean Pop, better known as K-Pop, is taking over the world. It seems like every day that some group such as BTS or BlackPink is trending on Twitter, and even those who aren’t into the genre tend to have some idea of who’s who in the K-Pop world.

Korean pop groups are made for the consumer, and the consumers have a tendency to really love the artists. In fact, K-Pop stans can be kind of scary when they get upset, and traditionally have had a lot of say over what their idols can or can’t do. Not only are K-Pop groups controlled by the wants of labels and fans, they’re also controlled by strict Korean laws that dictate their physical appearance including their clothing and tattoos. Let’s investigate some of the craziest rules K-Pop stars have to follow.

No Tattoos: While K-Pop stars are technically allowed to have tattoos, Korean television has yet to catch up with the trends and there are laws banning the showing of tattoos on screen. This is why you so often see K-Pop artists such as Block B’s Taeil in oversized sweaters and covering their tattoos with tape. Not only that, but doctors are the only people who are legally allowed to tattoo, which makes getting a tattoo from an artist technically illegal in Korea, although there are still plenty of artists working underground.

Dieting: It’s been documented that K-Pop stars have to adhere to strict and insanely intense diets. These diets have included being permitted to eat nothing but chicken, water and almonds, and having to work out on top of consuming such a small number of calories. It’s been questioned by many whether or not these intense diets are healthy, and with names including “the deadly diet,” it’s easy to see why.

No Dating: Another strict rule is that there is no dating for some K-Pop stars, and not just no dating to avoid upsetting fans. “No dating” as in many stars have signed contracts explicitly prohibiting them from openly dating while signed with their label. Fans can have poor reactions to stars dating, and that can lead to poor sales, so labels do what they can to avoid this situation. 

Changes: As K-Pop reaches further across the globe fans are beginning to see big changes in the industry. Body positive movements and the acceptance of tattoos are making it easier for stars to decide what happens with their own being, but until broadcast laws are changed it seems that the tape will still stick. As fans respect their idols more, they are also demanding labels to do the same and treat artists with respect and dignity.

Would you be willing to be a K-Pop star under these clauses? Or do you believe that the regulations on star’s bodies is overstepping boundaries?