"Producer" has sparked debate within the Korean entertainment industry about the accuracy of its portrayal of variety show producer-directors, but the drama also provides interesting perspectives on the lives of K-pop idols.Singer-songwriter IU portrays Cindy in the KBS docu-drama. IU is a solo vocalist in real life but her character is the most popular member of a struggling girl group.
Cindy is depicted as a cold, lonely starlet, who spends the majority of her time on-stage or in the back of her van. Several encounters lead Cindy towards Baek Seung Chan (Kim Soo Hyun), a variety show producer-director who is completely unfazed by her fame. He provides her with an umbrella from the television station he is employed by and is more concerned about getting it back from the young idol, than booking a date with her. Cindy develops strong feelings for Seung Chan, who is one of the first people to treat her like she is a normal person, since she debuted as a child star.
Cindy exemplifies the archetype of cosmopolitan idols, who appear bored with their celebrity status and fans. The sixth episode of "Producer" featured a guest star appearance by solo vocalist and actor, Lee Seung Gi.
Lee is highly regarded for his kind public image and charitable activities. However, he was willing to poke fun at his own highly cultivated personality. Cindy questions how he is able to sustain such a clean cut image. "Seriously, you life such a tiresome life," said Cindy. "Just live like me and get insulted from time to time."
His reply provides insight into the difficulty some artists have with trying to maintain appearances for their fans. "Hey, I envy you too," said Lee. "You can get annoyed and angry whenever you want. Because of my image, I can't even recall when I ever got angry outside."
Screenwriter Park Ji Eun brilliantly depicts the struggles of Cindy and other K-pop stars. She paints Cindy as a cautionary tale for aspiring celebrities, highlighted the advantages and drawbacks in a nuanced manner. Cindy encounters some of the same issues as Cheon Song Yi (Jun Ji Hyun) in "My Love from the Star," a drama which was also written by Park.
Here are 5 ways that "Producer" portrays the struggles of K-pop idols.
1. The most popular artist in a group doesn't always receive the best treatment or have the most friendships within an agency.
Due to her overwhelming popularity, Cindy serves as the cash cow for her agency. She is referred to in terms of monetary value, with little consideration for her feelings. Cindy is also the most popular member of a girl group, but she has few friends within her agency, aside from her manager.
When she runs into Seung Chan during the rehearsal of the Big Show, she begins to giggle nervously. Her manager is shocked by the sound and realizes that is the first time he's heard her deliver genuine laughter.
2. Fame comes with the inability to participate in normal activities.
Cindy develops romantic feelings for Seung Chan, after gives her an umbrella. She discovers that the umbrella obscures her appearance from passersby, allowing for the rare opportunity to walk down the street and purchase food from a street vendor.
In the fifth episode, she is saddened when she spots Seung Chan and his fellow variety show producers, drunkenly meandering through the streets. It is a fun spectacle that she could never partake in.
While he portrays an ordinary producer on the show, Kim Soo Hyun is also subjected to constraints that are caused by fame. In November 2014, he secretly traveled to New York City and was able to ride the subway, without disruption.
3. K-pop stars are often saddened by negative comments on social media.
After her manager accidentally spills the beans about social media comments surrounding her image, she joins an anti-fan cafe. In the process of signing up for the cafe, she realizes how many people dislike her and reads some of their biting comments.
4. Variety shows can test the patience and endurance of artists, but are considered a necessary part of promotional activities.
Cindy doggedly endures the challenges she is presented with during the taping of "2 Days, 1 Nights." She is aware that other stars were receiving better treatment but considered her appearance on the show part of the necessary evils of her job.
5. Idols often follow relentless schedules with resting periods that often come after injuries.
Cindy is injured on the stage of the Big Show. The CEO of her agency immediately focuses on her schedule, when she visits her at the hospital. Seung Chan expresses concern for her activities, which have reached the level where Cindy cannot take breaks to eat.
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About the writer: Adrienne Stanley is a contributing writer for Kpopstarz, KDramastars, MTV Iggy and CJ Entertainment's KCON blog. Her passions include a love of K-pop and Asian drama. When she is not writing she is hanging out on Twitter (@retrogirladdy).
