One of the most dreaded kinds of calamities in the K-Pop universe is a black ocean!
Here’s a quick “scientific” explanation:
“Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.” โ One shall get the same treatment as they treat others.
K-Pop fans usually have beef with the management companies that mistreat their idols. These idols submit their entire youth to the agency, considering their training, personal life, education, career, dating, etc. Most new agencies take a hefty fraction of the idol’s earnings, while some don’t get paid even years after their debut.
Not saying that agencies should always be kept under suspicion; exhibit: the recent case with the girl group FIFTYFIFTY and their agency ATTRAKT, where the CEO was duped behind his back by a third party and the idols.
But more often than not, agencies are notorious for exploiting their idols by squeezing out every drop of blood, sweat, and tears. Due to the power imbalance, these idols are subjected to harsh schedules, strenuous practice hours, and misbehavior from the management. Due to this, the earlier 7-year “slave” contract has been completely abolished from K-pop. The growing cases of mismanagement led to the policy of allowing idols for fair negotiations on their agreement.
However, it is a long road to eradicating these discrepancies as more idols are coming forward, exposing their agencies. Recently, Omega X accused their CEO of sexual harassment and physical abuse. Netizens have condemned Spire Entertainment and boycotted the agency.
Fans always stand by their idols in the battle against a shady agency. And now, there is an uprising against one of the biggest K-pop stars of the 2000s and the CEO of R.A.I.N.
Rain, the Kpop soloist, founded his own agency R.A.I.N in 2015 and formed an idol group Ciipher. Recently, allegations surfaced against the CEO for mistreating his group. And now the fans have retaliated with mass protests against Rain. They showcased the biggest humiliation an idol can get by giving him a “black ocean” treatment during his solo performance at KCon.
What Did Rain Kpop Do?
Jung Ji Hoon, famously known as Rain, rose to prominence under the guidance of JYP. After debuting in 1998, Rain amassed a considerable fan following, especially ladies. His solo career was skyrocketing with his hit single, Rainism.
He also pursued an acting career and is remembered for his role in the hit K-Drama Full House.
But the one thing he is most prominently known in South Korea as “National Thief” for marrying a literal goddess of the K-Drama world, Kim Tae Hee.
And then few years down the line, Rain was known in the new generation as a meme of the famous “one gang a day.” His single “Gang” was so ridiculed by K-Netz that it became a daily ritual to watch the MV at least once every day, considering the cringe and the second-hand embarrassment from the song.
But Rain never stopped at one meme. He went on to become another viral meme when he appeared as a mentor/judge for the Boy Group competitive show, I-Land.
Regardless of the many memes, Rain assumed the CEO position of his agency R.A.I.N in 2015. He formed the first boy group Ciipher that debuted in 2020. The septet consisting of Keita, Hyunbin, Dohwan, Hwi, Tan, Won, and Tag were all scouted by Rain himself from various other reality competitive shows.
These talented boys are not only stellar performers but also songwriters and producers themselves. But Rain seems to have undermined their talent as he has kept them without any activities for two years. The group is yet to have their first comeback after their debut mini-album “I Can’t.”
Due to this, Tan, Tag, Dohwan, and Won announced their departure from the group earlier this month. And now Ciipher is left with only three members. This irked the fans, citing how Rain lost all the money he had invested in such a talented boyband with great potential. Hence, not just the fans but also other K-Netz showcased complete disdain for Rain’s mismanagement.
What Is the Controversy With Rain Kpop?
The 41-year-old solo K-pop star was scheduled to perform at the 2023 KCON LA. Instead of promoting the group under his agency, he decided to be the main character, even though it’s way past his “lifetime achievement” era. And to show their stand for Ciipher, the audience decided to show Rain what it means to mistreat a new idol group.
Lightsticks are a major accessory in the K-Pop world, where the fans light these up during their idols’ performances. This is to show support and cheer for the idols.
But these lightsticks can also be used as weapons (symbolically). Black Ocean is a term in K-Pop where all the people in the stadium decide to switch off their lightsticks.
During Rain’s solo performance in LA, the collective gave him a black ocean, implying their protest against his mistreatment of Ciipher.
What are your thoughts on this case? Do you think Rain deserved the Black Ocean at KCON? Should Rain just disband Ciipher instead of keeping them inactive for years?
Let us know your take in the comments section below.
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