Not Your Doll
In Yunjin’s new solo, “I ≠ DOLL,” she does not hold back the harsh realities she has observed and experienced being an idol.
February 15, 2023
“They pick apart my body, and throw the rest away.” These disturbing words are the reality many K-pop idols face everyday, and Yunjin of LeSerrafim is not afraid to use lyrics and her voice to share this brutally honest truth with her new solo “I ≠ DOLL,” released on January 9, 2023.
Though K-pop has become a global phenomenon for its advanced choreography and catchy lyrics, it is not news that this all comes at the cost of the idols. Along with the large amount of loyal K-pop fans who are genuinely supportive of their favorite artists and understand that they have flaws and make mistakes just like any other person does, there are people who will criticize every part of an idol, whether it be their weight or a change in their mannerisms.
One example of this is Wonyoung from the recently-debuted girl group IVE, whose song “After Like” made it on the Billboard Top 10. She is a constant target for criticism, and “fans” always have a keen eye to spot any mistakes she makes on stage or anything that can ruin her credibility. From looking at a video of her running in front of everyone and interpreting it as her being self-centered, even though there is no real context or evidence to support this, to rumors of her lip syncing, Wonyoung is yet to catch a break from the constant backlash she receives. Her once reputable name from Iz*One, the former girl group she was in before IVE, is constantly being put to the test, and just by hearing her name, the first thing people think of is all the negativity put on her.
The music video that compliments Yunjin’s solo presents a variety of images drawn by Yunjin herself to further develop the message she intends to portray. Her illustrations depict a newspaper, showcasing a girl with a small waist in her new designer outfit. However, as the music video progresses, it is revealed that there is more to her than the headlines shown in the newspaper. This girl has emotions, opinions, and feelings, but she must bottle this all up and instead conform to the standards society has forced on her.
People expect idols to excel at what they’re doing, so if they present what society deems as not up to their standards, criticism will come along. — Cara Tang (12)
Everyone wants to obtain the image their favorite celebrity has, yet they are so critical of the people who have such an influential role in society, that it can put their career at risk if they don’t follow the toxicity people put upon them. Though they may seem defenseless against the power of the press and the public, the power of lyrics can spread far, as Yunjin’s song has stirred much discussion and was eye-opening to those who may not have realized how harsh their words really were. Even though celebrities may lead a glamorous life, there is more that you do not see beneath the surface, and Cara Tang (12) emphasizes that “it is important to remember that idols are all human and are affected by the harsh comments presented to them.” Appearance and rumors are not what should define one’s talents and capabilities, and this a valuable lesson that people have been taught but is something that is often forgotten.
Despite how much is spoken about this heavy and complex topic, it is hard to see if many changes have been made. With the weight the word idol holds, Cara Tang (12) shares that “since idols are often the center of attention, it makes it easy for people to have opinions about them. People expect idols to excel at what they’re doing, so if they present what society deems as not up to their standards, criticism will come along.” With her bold word choice and unapologetic attitude voiced in this song, Yunjin leaves the message that even though there are people society highly looks up to, at the end of the day, they are not your doll.
