K-pop has made its way into the global market and its popularity is continuously increasing both domestically and internationally. Since then, the number of music videos, promoting sexual objectification, especially of female idols, has been growing nonstop. Social media, such as YouTube and Facebook, plays pivotal roles in allowing audiences, including teenagers, to gain easy access to K-pop and influencing the their views on sexual objectification and male gaze. Michelle E, Kistler and Moon J. Lee conducted an experiment, observing changes in the sexual attitudes of both males and females after watching sexually objectified music videos and they concluded that “male participants who were exposed to music videos of highly sexual content expressed greater objectification of women, sexual permissiveness, stereotypical gender attitudes, and acceptance of rape at posttest than male participants in the low sex condition.” (2009: 67) I believe that the K-pop industries have contributed in the rise of rape and sexual abuse in Korea and created a society where sexual objectification is socially acceptable and justified.
Whether female idols like it or not, they are portrayed as sexual objects in music videos, performances, and photos. Coincidentally with the increase in sexual objectification of women, the number of sexual violence reports has increased significantly. There are secret cameras hidden everywhere like in public washrooms and people illegally share those pictures and videos online but the arrest rate is surprising low due to the lack of interest and effort by the Korean government. To make matter worse, the government is promoting “elements that might reinforce a sexist culture an traditional gender roles, further obstructing women’s pursuit of equal opportunities.” (Lin and Rudolf 2017: 27) After the Gangnam station washroom murder case in 2006, there have been more protests and campaigns for women’s rights and gender equality. However, women are criticized for threatening and stealing men’s power.
Living in Korea as a woman is extremely challenging. With the government and industries constantly advocating sexual objectification through K-pop and social media, women are treated unfairly; they are given fewer work opportunities and get paid less than men for equal work. Ironically, some female idols are sexually harassed by men for sponsors to be 
sexually objectified on media, which I think that is tragic and disturbing. Korea is considered the world capital of plastic surgery and Korean women are ridiculed for getting plastic surgeries but we must understand the Korean society and the disadvantages that Korean women are currently facing. Plastic surgery is one of the ways that women can become successful and be less sexually objectified.
The K-pop industries and Korean government should definitely be mindful of their audience and possible consequences of promoting sexual objectification of women rather than solely focusing on making profits.
Kistler, Michelle E. and Moon J. Lee. “Does Exposure to Sexual Hip Pop Music Videos Influence the Sexual Attitudes of College Student?” Journal of Mass Communication and Society 13, no. 1 (2009): 67-86
Lin, Xi and Robert, Rudolf. “K-pop Reinforce Gender Inequalities” Asian Women 33, no. 4 (2017): 27-54