K-pop Idol Admits to Sleeping 8 Hours a Night, Sparking Outrage
K-pop idol Wonbin faced backlash for confessing to sleeping eight hours nightly, violating industry norms.
Image: SM Entertainment
Will This Scandal Humanize the Entertainment Industry and Send Stocks Plunging?
SEOUL — K-pop idol Wonbin of the boy group Riize confessed to regularly sleeping eight hours a night, sparking intense backlash from shocked fans and industry insiders alike.
"I can't believe it. We trusted Wonbin to uphold the K-pop tradition of subsisting on two hours of sleep and pure willpower," said Jang Cheol-hyuk, CEO of SM Entertainment. "This betrayal will not be taken lightly."
Wonbin initially denied accusations after footage surfaced showing him looking well-rested. He claimed his appearance was due to a new skincare routine.
The K-pop idol later admitted during a tearful livestream that he adheres to the World Health Organization's guidelines suggesting adults aged 18-64 should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night.
"I'm deeply sorry to my members, my company and especially my fans," Wonbin said, bowing repeatedly. "I know I've let everyone down by prioritizing my physical and mental well-being over my duties as an idol. I promise to do better and limit myself to no more than three hours of sleep moving ahead."
Fans have been quick to condemn Wonbin's actions, with hashtags like #SleepyWonbin and #RiizeOver trending worldwide. Many have posted videos of themselves destroying merchandise in protest.
Music critic Park Ji-soo predicts the scandal will have far-reaching consequences. "We may see a total overhaul of idol contracts, with specific clauses limiting sleep to preserve the delicate balance of exhaustion and perfection that K-pop is built on."
As of press time, Wonbin has been placed on indefinite hiatus and ordered to attend a 20-hour dance practice as penance for his actions. ■
