Danielle (NJZ) Discusses Trainee and Young Artists’ Rights, Completely Changed thanks to Min Hee-jin
Recently, Danielle, a member of the K-pop group NJZ, expressed concerns about the conditions that trainees and young artists face during their training periods. In a live broadcast, she shared her deep thoughts on the immense pressure that many trainees endure, including constant comparisons, relentless rankings, and sometimes a lack of necessary support.
Shocking Revelations About the K-pop Trainee System
Danielle stated:
“There are trainees nowadays starting at an even younger age, and I feel like, I’m definitely not saying all the trainees would be in this kind of situation, I’m just saying that there could be trainees that, like me, are constantly being held in a position where they are non-stop being compared and non-stop being ranked, and that’s heartbreaking and that worries me. Just because those trainees, those children, have a dream to one day perform on stage and be a performer, they shouldn’t be treated like that.”
Her words quickly ignited discussions regarding the working conditions at Source Music, where Danielle previously trained before joining ADOR—the current management of NJZ. She continued to express concern for trainees who may not have the voice to speak out about their experiences.
Additionally, Danielle mentioned that she used to think the aforementioned issues were normal, but her mindset completely changed after meeting ADOR’s former CEO Min Hee-jin. The female idol also added, “I remember her being like, also extremely shocked when she heard about our life as a trainee”.
The K-pop Industry and Artists’ Rights Issues
The K-pop trainee system has long been known for its rigorous and demanding nature. However, Danielle’s call for change has raised questions about whether such strict training methods are truly necessary. She emphasized:
“I just don’t think trainees or artists should be experiencing even a remotely similar situation to what I went through at that stage, ‘cause it’s so heartbreaking. What if they don’t have the voice, the support that they need and deserve?”
Advertisement
Speaking on behalf of trainees who cannot advocate for themselves, Danielle urged for change in how young artists are treated:
“On behalf of those young artists and trainees that may not have the voice to speak out, please. People should be treated as people, and every individual deserves respect and dignity.”
Public and Fan Reactions
Following Danielle’s revelations, a wave of support flooded social media. Fans expressed deep sympathy for her and called on entertainment companies to reconsider the conditions under which trainees are trained. Many believe that the K-pop industry needs reform to ensure the physical and mental well-being of future idols.
While ADOR and Source Music have yet to release an official response to Danielle’s statements, the conversation about trainee rights in K-pop continues to gain momentum. The calls for improved training conditions could mark the beginning of meaningful change in the industry.
Conclusion
Danielle’s statements not only shed light on the darker aspects of the K-pop industry but also raise broader questions about the treatment of young artists. Striking a balance between professional training and protecting trainees’ rights is a crucial issue that the industry must address seriously. Is K-pop on the verge of transformation to create a healthier environment for future idols? This remains a hot topic that will continue to spark discussions in the coming months.
