In the Current Idol Warring States Period, Who Should We Really Be Fighting?

The idol industry, which continues to be called a "Warring States period," shows no signs of slowing down.


From major idols whose primary exposure is through media to live idols, they exist widely across borders, dimensions, and genres.

It has become common for influencers and talents who already have name recognition to choose being an idol as a second career.


Even though the number of idols is increasing to an incredible degree, the places and moments where they can be in the spotlight are limited.

That is why "battles" naturally occur.

● Idols Living Under Capitalism

There are various types of "battles" surrounding idols.

First, there are the battles between idols. The current reality is that the main struggle is over fans and, furthermore, their disposable time.
Those who win this battle can approach the pinnacle of the industry hierarchy.

It is not just the idols. I believe fans are also stepping into this "battle" as well. Even if unintentionally.

This is because supporting a specific idol means choosing something and, at the same time, choosing not to choose something else.
Even for those commonly called "DDs" (fans who like everyone), considering the countless number of idols, they are still making a significant choice.

In other words, engaging with idols automatically means participating in that competitive society in some form.



It might be more appropriate to think that no matter how much idols provide dreams and hope, they cannot escape the fate of living under capitalism.

● Unstoppable Competition, and Tragedy

That cute idol, that innocent idol—they are all part of the entertainment industry, engaging in fierce competition under capitalism.

In that sense, I think it is only natural that they are rivals to one another.

Certainly, without ambition, dreams would not be born, and without a competitive spirit, dreams would not be fulfilled.
In other words, you cannot survive in this world by only having gentle emotions.

But, anything taken to the extreme is not good.

The story you started to fulfill your own dream might eventually develop into an ugly conflict where you kick each other down.

You might have been purely supporting someone's dream, but eventually, you might find pleasure in criticism and contempt to justify your own beliefs.

Honestly, it is not rare to witness such tragedies.


Even if we are rivals, is it okay for the conflict itself to become the goal?

In the first place, do idols exist to create division?

● Baring Fangs While Joining Hands

Humans are complex creatures with many layers, so I think it is fine for relationships between such people to have multiple facets.

The parts where we should hone each other as "enemies" and the parts where we must join hands as "allies" can coexist.

Rather, they should coexist.

We must become able to correctly grasp the "dual-sided relationship" that lurks between those of us whose hearts are moved by idols.

If we continue to misjudge this, I believe a conclusion awaits where everyone who loves idols will fall together, and no one will be happy.

In the first place, regardless of scale, name recognition, or factions, if there is even one fan, that is a proper idol.

Therefore, as long as they are not using immoral methods, I think we should have a certain level of respect for every idol.
(“As long as they are not using immoral methods” ← I wrote this casually, but it is very important)



That is why we are not in a position to wage war on our neighbors.

● Who Should We Really Be Fighting?

Who is it that we should really be fighting?


It is the outsiders who freely spout prejudice-filled insults against idols themselves,saying things like "people who are idols are pathetic" or "people who support idols are uncool."



I, too, have been told terrible things that I cannot even write here. And to my face, at that.

But at the time, I couldn't take pride in being an idol, so I couldn't say anything back.

That is why I want to fulfill my dreams and save myself. The miserable me who could only smile weakly back then.
Even if it is impossible alone, if I join hands with you, it might be possible to achieve.

I am working as an idol with that thought in mind.

I have no intention of forcing an extreme ideal like "let's all be friends and coddle each other."

It is precisely because it is a competitive society that better content is born, and there are times when we have no choice but to act in self-defense to protect someone important.
Above all, it is best while the industry is vibrant.




However, what I want to convey through this article is thatwe who live saved by the existence of idols should have at least a minimum level of respect for each other, precisely because we know the same pain and joy.

And when outsiders appear who threaten the very existence of idols, we should join hands as allies rather than enemies.



I love idols who go all-in on being cute. I love idols who can deliver cool performances.
For every idol, there is a unique love and devotion created.

However, just because you show respect for something that doesn't align with your own devotion, it never means that the object of your devotion or you yourself are being denied.
Because everything deserves to be respected.

As people who both feel exhilarated by the sparkle on stage, let's create a present where we can look forward to tomorrow, so that this beautiful and wonderful culture does not perish.


It is precisely on the hot battlefield that we should join hands!

The end!