This is terrible news but a really good outcome from it. Top idol Kang Daniel, formerly center of Wanna One and now on a solo comeback promotions, has immediately halted all his entertainment activities to take a hiatus. This comes days after he left a series of alarming posts on his SNS account, talking about how tired he was and how hard it’s been dealing with the critical commentary even during his Wanna One days. His fans sounded the alarm and his agency has taken swift action to stop Kang Daniel from working right now and let him take a break to deal with depression and panic disorder. Wishing this talented hard working young man a full recovery and all the time he needs to get well.
This is perfect timing to voice distress. Other overworked, overtrained artists should follow suit.
@candycane In MY opinion, your comment really was very negative and just the kind of commentary that idols like Daniel have been receiving. I think you’re completely missing the point when you say that it’s being “too sensitive” if people think your opinion is negative. Your exact words were that this idol is “not that good” and that you’re not sure why he’s labeled a top idol. How can that not be perceived as a harsh comment intended to criticize someone who has done nothing to hurt you?
Basically, yes, everyone does and should have the freedom to say their opinions. People should not be blocked from saying what they want to say, provided it’s not slander. But the truth of the matter is, this right also comes with a responsibility. You have to acknowledge that people can be hurt by your words and that it can cause them real, actual pain. A person should not have to commit suicide in order for their pain to be acknowledged, but that’s what things have come to in Korea.
We’ve had three major, public deaths in the Korean idol world in the past two years. Two of those deaths happened within a month of each other, and they happened to people who are famous for being ostracized and criticized in S Korea and Korean media. Depression is a complex disease that’s caused by a myriad of factors, but it is still very true that being under the constantly critical eye of the Korean public and constant criticism by commenters who have absolutely no sense of the responsibilities they have for their words, were some of the main issues that led to Sulli and Goo Hara’s deaths.
Basically — you left an incredibly tone deaf comment on an article addressing how the very same criticism and negativity from internet commenters is leading to depression and hardship for another human being. No one is trying to block you from saying your opinions; we’re just asking that you think about what you’re saying and how it might impact someone else. Have some empathy and compassion, and take responsibility for your words. It might just keep you from hurting somebody else.
@Nano – what is your definition of “good”? If I don’t like his performance, does this call “hate”? DO NOT LINK a performance opinion to the recent deaths, there is NO relation and you are stretching this too far by being SO SENSITIVE. If you have ANY empathy and compassion, you all won’t be ganging up and jumping on me. You are a bully too, don’t you realize? Geez, examine yourself. Go get those who are criticizing his private life instead of letting out your frustrations on me because it is “easy”? I will not let you troll me. Read my first comment again, dissect each word, tell me what I wrote that is about his personal and private issues!!
If multiple people interpret the same harsh meaning from your comments than you should realize that maybe I’m wrong and I went too far instead of acting like a victim. A bully like you deserved to be bully back so they can understand the impact of their garbage tongue.
Close your mouth, garbage is spewing everywhere. It’s too smelly. Not even bleach can counter the stink.
Glad you’re covering this story but that’s not what happened. It started after he won his first music show yesterday. Netizens immediately started posting that he cheated and bought the award. So much online hate and criticism came targeted toward him instead of the actual music show. That’s why he left the messages on his fancafe revealing his pain and calling out all the hate. He’s endured so much and worked so hard to finally be able to stand on stage of music shows (after months of being blocked from public TV) and this finally broke him. Today, it’s been confirmed that he won fairly. And yet people are still mocking him that he’s using his depression to gain sympathy. It’s not that he’s tired from overwork but from online hate.
price for being an idol especially from a show that was rigged… nice to have a break. imo he is not that good really, not sure why he is labelled as “top idol”. first remove the heavy makeup and be natural. the more he talks the more backlash he will get.
@candycane , really? You just had to comment that unecessary comment huh? This poor man has had enough of malicious comments against himself. Im not trying to say that you have to like him or anything and people have the right to state their opinion but seriously, now is not the time to write such things even if it seems trivial for you. Just keep it inside next time.
The hypocrisy in your post is so strong I can almost smell it from half the world away. Weren’t you giving your condolences and whining about online hate in one of the many k-pop death posts over the last few weeks? And yet, here you are again, being a troll. so much for that “sympathy”, huh? I bet if he ends up killing himself as well, you’ll be crying fake crocodile tears again and lamenting him dying so young. Jeez! People suck.
NO. Why do I need to keep it inside? This playground is for everyone to comment. I don’t believe I have said anything negative here. You are being too sensitive. You have no right stop anyone. You can still state your opinions, but I won’t listen to your unreasonable request.
What’s wrong with him wearing heavy makeup? Many other make idols also wear it (if not, heavier). It’s this constant but endless stream of criticism, no matter how minor, that adds up and takes a toll on someone’s mental health. Do you really need to be commenting on something that doesn’t have much impact on you?
@Rasa – I like to, same as what you are doing now that has no impact on you. I won’t label mine as criticism. It is only my opinion.
Youre trash. How’s that.
I dont usually comment on posts like this. But @candycane. You are too much this time. Poor boy is getting unnecessary hate for being put on a make up& being labeled top idol& even for having a girlfriend for a while now. Even if show was rigged, he was on the top of it. He shined there & got so many fans. He isnt my favorite from that show, i still hope he is strong enough mentally to cope with all this stress& dark side of ent business& strong support system in family&friends.
@Dramafan – thanks for your nice way of explaining things. I don’t care about his private life, girlfriend etc.. Those preying into idols private life is wrong. But gaining acceptance requires more than a sympathy stamp. Being able to handle rejections is also a fact of life. Some people may like to hear “I pity you, I feel sorry for you” but being able to take “I don’t like you, your work is not good” is also a challenge that one needs to face. Now I still don’t know what I have said wrong except to hit a few sore spots that hurt someone like hell and cannot recover. If the root of the problems came from the K-netizens, then why are those trolls lurking at this site? Comment in Korean there instead.
Poor Daniel. I’m sick and tired of the online bullying comments that K-celebs have to endure. Which comes with the insane idea that the public ‘owns’ these celebs so they have the right to spread hate, lies and malicious comments about such celebs when they do not conform to said public’s perception of how a celebrity should be or how they should live their lives. This entitlement feeling by the public is completely unreasonable. We pay for their music, acting and craft. We do not purchase the celebrity themselves. Otherwise that would be modern day slavery which is illegal. To anyone who think freedom of speech excuses them to say a lot of hatred online. I’m calling out that bullshit. If you’re so brave to spew that nonsense on his Instagram or Twitter, why don’t you walk up to him and say it to his face and own it like a responsible human being? Why hide behind the anonymity of the internet like the coward you are? Don’t get me wrong, every celebrity’s work is open to criticism. By the very nature of their jobs, the public does have the right to criticize their product: which should be limited to singing, acting skills, even voice projection, expression, singing style, clothing choices, whatever. Because these can be changed as it relates to their craft. Where the public does NOT have a right to comment is anything to do with their personal lives: who they choose to date, how they choose to spend their money, decisions about their lives nor slander them by spreading lies or unsubstantiated rumors. We do not OWN these celebrities. It’s unfortunate that the average netizen doesn’t seem to know where to draw the line. Three recent deaths of k-celebs under the age of 30 still isn’t enough for the netizens to learn their lesson. Laws should be passed to make those targeted harassment akin to murder. Peace. These are my two cents: ‘there is nothing as bad as blind hatred or blind love’.
Poor Daniel. I’m sick and tired of the online bullying comments that K-celebs have to endure. Which comes with the insane idea that the public ‘owns’ these celebs so they have the right to spread hate, lies and malicious comments about such celebs when they do not conform to said public’s perception of how a celebrity should be or how they should live their lives. This entitlement feeling by the public is completely unreasonable. We pay for their music, acting and craft. We do not purchase the celebrity themselves. Otherwise that would be modern day slavery which is illegal. To anyone who think freedom of speech excuses them to say a lot of hatred online. I’m calling out that bullsh!t. If you’re so brave to spew that nonsense on his Instagram or Twitter, why don’t you walk up to him and say it to his face and own it like a responsible human being? Why hide behind the anonymity of the internet like the coward you are? Don’t get me wrong, every celebrity’s work is open to criticism. By the very nature of their jobs, the public does have the right to criticize their product: which should be limited to singing, acting skills, even voice projection, expression, singing style, clothing choices, whatever. Because these can be changed as it relates to their craft. Where the public does NOT have a right to comment is anything to do with their personal lives: who they choose to date, how they choose to spend their money, decisions about their lives nor slander them by spreading lies or unsubstantiated rumors. We do not OWN these celebrities. It’s unfortunate that the average netizen doesn’t seem to know where to draw the line. Three recent deaths of k-celebs under the age of 30 still isn’t enough for the netizens to learn their lesson. Laws should be passed to make those targeted harassment akin to murder. Peace. These are my two cents: ‘there is nothing as bad as blind hatred or blind love’.
@candycane
There you go again with your hate. You can criticize his performances but you went too far with your rigged comments. Is there evidence that he won unfairly?
@nano well said. Candycane needs to relax. Every kpop Star wears too much makeup, it’s a given. You can say what you want to say but take responsibility for your comments. You may not physically hurt someone but you emotionally hurt someone and that’s worse in my eyes.
don’t label my comment as “hate”. the word “rigged” is forever linked with Produce 101 no matter you like it or not, this is a fact! Delulu fans like to believe something created to satisfy your fantasy. I can relax more if you leave me alone same as how you want me to leave him alone. Let me know if he actually comes to read this blog then we can talk again. I always take responsibility on my opinions. Don’t read if my comments hurt you this much.
People like you deserve criticism. If people like you get left alone and not called out, the world will become a worse place.
Produce 101 may be rigged but to what extent? No one knows. So shut up your garbage mouth. I never heard of Daniel Kang until this post. I felt sorry when I read this post and saw your inconsiderate comments.
It’s a hate comment even if you don’t think it is. You’re a denial dumbbell.
you calling someone a “dumbbell” does not deserve any respect either. why don’t you shut your garbage mouth first. look yourself into the mirror before you criticize me again.
I call you what you deserve to be called: Premium AYCE garbage.
You don’t like being called that, then stop being a hate troll. You are a soul murderer, what comes around goes around.
@Kin – how would you feel if I call Kang Daniel a “denial dumbbell” which I didn’t even use such harsh words? You people @Nano @Yas wa @lolingatyou all gang up and jump on me. You are all bullies in disguise. Shame on you!!
It’s called a taste of your own medicine. Bitter? It should be lol
People like you who initiated attacks deserve to be called even worse things especially when they don’t repent and keep in justifying their verbal trash.
Bonafide garbage plain and simple.
@Kin – I did not initiate attack, only vulnerable people will perceive so. I stand by my words. I even said “nice to have a break”. I am not a hypocrite like you who changes identities to make multiple comments as multiple people. LOL. You are very entertaining actually, showing your insecurities when my original comment was not even personal, then you start calling me names. You are the one calling out names, how should I address you then, hey? “soul murderer” what a fancy term, how to do that btw? ahahaha…
@candycane
This is rich. Who else am I on this post?
You are so delusional that you think that I made several different alias? Only in one post, I accidentally mistype the email I used but I still used “kin.” Denial dumbbell describes you perfectly.
I call you names because a bully like you deserves it. As a bully I should call you scum, trash bucket, low life and so forth.
See how easy it is to change my avatar based on mistyping my email? Lol
@nano, @yas, @lolingatyou and etc are all different people.
Don’t bother with trash. Eventually karma will bite them back.
same to you who cannot even type your usernames properly. You call yourself “Baka”?… hahaha… how appropriate. LOL.
No one deserves to be called names here.
And Daniel Kang doesn’t deserve to be attack. A bully who doesn’t admit their faults deserves to be lit up.
A person who slanders deserves to be called a scum pie.
There is no place for you. It is between me and him then. Are you his mom?
No, just a concern human being. It should be everyone’s business when people are ragging on other people especially when the person is going through mental issues.
Basically you are committing the same crime as what you are preaching here.
No it’s completely different telling the bully(instigator) off. If the bully fights with a candle, he/she needs to be dealt with a blazing torch. If you have mental issues as well, I’m sorry you have it but it’s not right for you to do what you do and also you should be able to sympathize with Daniel but no, you’re doing the opposite of it. You’re making it worst.
I think you are in the wrong place. Comment in Korean to the K-netizens is what you should spend most of your time if you have the mission and the sympathy. Commenting in English won’t help his situation at all. I am harmless, you are wasting your energy here.