In Sri Lanka, where youth unemployment hovers around 20%, a new wave of "K-Pop academies" has emerged, promising teenagers fame, fortune, and a direct path to stardom in South Korea’s ultra-competitive entertainment industry. But behind the glossy brochures and Instagram ads, many of these institutions are exploiting young dreams for profit, charging exorbitant fees for vague training programs with no real connections to Korean agencies. This investigation uncovers how these scams operate, the heartbreaking stories of victims, and why Sri Lankan authorities are struggling to regulate this booming—and often predatory—industry.
With limited local entertainment careers, K-Pop seems like a golden ticket out of poverty.
No laws govern "talent academies," allowing scammers to operate freely.
Sri Lanka has one of Asia’s highest K-Pop engagement rates, making teens easy targets.
While K-Pop’s global rise inspires millions, Sri Lanka’s academy scams reveal its dark underbelly. Until stricter regulations emerge, desperate teens will keep gambling their futures—and losing.
As one heartbroken parent said:
"They didn’t sell talent training. They sold fairy tales."
The views and opinions expressed in this article are for informational purposes only. The AI-generated images described are fictional representations and do not depict real individuals or events. This article is not affiliated with any K-Pop agencies or the Sri Lankan government.
Sophia
|
2025.04.15
By Sophia | 2025.04.11
By Olivia | 2025.04.11
By Ethan | 2025.04.11
By Alexander | 2025.04.11