Excerpt from Jessica Jung’s novel “Shine” reveals the dark reality of a slave contract at SM Entertainment?
The ongoing dispute over exclusive contracts between EXO-CBX and SM reminds netizens of an excerpt from Jessica Jung’s novel “Shine”.
A passage in Jessica Jung’s novel “Shine”, which has gained widespread attention amidst the contract dispute between EXO’s Chen, Baekhyun, Xiumin, and SM Entertainment, reveals the harsh realities faced by SM artists.
In the excerpt, the main character confronts another individual about the duration of her contract, only to receive a bitter explanation of how DB Entertainment, a fictional company within the novel, controlled her career. The shocking revelation exposes the manipulative tactics employed by some management companies, highlighting the extended contract terms that go beyond the legally mandated seven-year limit for K-pop contracts.
The main character’s counterpart reveals the existence of hidden extension contracts, stored in a Swiss bank’s safe deposit box, binding the artists for an additional three years. The ominous implications of these undisclosed agreements become clear as the character explains how the company would exploit and frame the artists as irresponsible and uncontrollable, ensuring their continued dominance over their careers.
The excerpt further delves into the illusory nature of fame and success within the industry. The main character’s counterpart emphasizes that the allure and celebrity status associated with being an idol are merely constructs fabricated by the companies themselves.
Executives meticulously craft images, only to later strip away everything from the artists, leaving them framed as self-destructive figures.
Because Jessica’s novel is based on what she experienced herself when she was active as an idol, netizens have been sharing this excerpt to support EXO-CBX’s statement and that Jessica had tried to shed light on this issue.
Source: twitter
