BTS and BLACKPINK are, without a doubt, considered the leaders in the K-pop industry in recent times. However, amid their worldwide dominance and popularity, the two of the biggest South Korean groups are also plagued with numerous criticisms and disparagements.

On Tuesday, March 16, Arirang Meari claimed that BTS and BLACKPINK are being treated like slaves by their agencies. Keep on reading to know more about this shocking claim.

North Korean Media Claims BTS and BLACKPINK are Being Exploited

Arirang Meari, as per AllKpop, reported that famous K-pop singers are being forced into miserable lives by talent management companies. It, then, cited BTS and BLACKPINK as examples of artists who, allegedly, signed exclusive contracts at a very young age and receive training to become a total performer.

It went on to say that these artists are banned from leaving their respective dormitories and could only sleep two to three hours a day due to their hectic schedules. The publication even suggested that female idols, who suffer from insults and humiliations under harsh training process, are also enforced to sexually cater to businessmen and politicians.

Several young artists, allegedly, suffer from mental health issues and are being prisoned sans bars. Some of them are, reportedly, even forced to take their own lives while leaving a will attesting how difficult life is under these huge entertainment companies.

AllKpop claimed that Arirang Meari included quite a number of sources in its report to support its allegations. The shocking claim by the North Korean media entity came amid the growing popularity of K-pop among the youth in North Korea.

Both Big Hit Entertainment and YG Entertainment have yet to comment on these reports. So, avid followers of BTS and BLACKPINK should stay tuned for the latest developments of this story.

ALSO READ: BTS Beats BLACKPINK, Taylor Swift, Maroon 5 & More at 2021 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards

BTS, BLACKPINK, IU and More Reign Supreme on Gaon Charts

Meanwhile, BTS and BLACKPINK dominated the Gaon Charts again lately. Jin, Jimin, Jungkook, J-Hope, V, RM and Suga effortlessly topped the Gaon Physical Album Chart last month with their "BE: Essential Edition" album. The said EP got triple million certifications recently after it sell more than 3 million copies in total.

BLACKPINK, for their part, continued its domination on the Gaon Social Chart 2.0. Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, and Rosé have been securing the No. 1 spot for 10 consecutive months already. BTS came close in the second spot.

Apart from BTS and BLACKPINK, IU has also been reigning supreme with her chart-topping single titled "Celebrity." The South Korean pop star royalty nabbed the No. 1 spots on the Gaon Digital and Streaming Charts.

ATEEZ, on the other hand, secured the top spot in the Gaon Physical Album Chart for the week of Feb. 28 to March 6 with their latest mini-album called "ZERO: FEVER Part 2." SHINee was also considered a strong contender as it was able to place second with their latest comeback album titled "Don't Call Me."

For those who do not know, Gaon Music Chart is a weekly tabulation of the most popular songs and albums in South Korea in relation to other artists.

ALSO READ: BTS, NCT, TREASURE & More: These K-Pop Acts Receive New Gaon Certifications This Month

For more K-Pop news and updates, always keep your tabs open here on KpopStarz.

KpopStarz owns this article.

Written by Nica Vaughn