Why BoA and IU Refused to Become "Ghost Students"

[aunts.livejournal.com]

On yesterday’s episode of MBC’s “Golden Fishery – Radio Star,” IU revealed why she decided to give up going to college. IU, currently a senior in high school, stated, “Even if I enroll in college, I don’t think I’ll be able to attend classes on a regular basis. That’s why I decided not to go to college. I want to start college later when I know I’ll be able to focus well on academics.”

When listening to IU’s remark, two contrasting types of celebrities pop up in my mind. One type, like BoA, who did not attend college, and the other type of celebrities, who have enrolled in college but technically are ‘ghost students.’

Superstar BoA, who was picked up by SM Entertainment when she was in fifth grade, did not attend college. Despite intense competition from numerous universities to recruit her, BoA decided to give up college and to focus on her career.

BoA shared her thoughts about her decision. She stated in a confident manner, “Educational background is not considered that important in my profession. I believe that one’s sensibility or ability is more crucial than one’s educational background. I wasn’t able to attend high school and took the GED instead, so even if I go to college, I won’t be able to attend many classes and I’ll most likely end up becoming a ghost student, don’t you think? Personally, I believe studying that way is worthless. Later when I have the time, I would like to study more properly.” So BoA’s reasoning is in the same context with that of IU’s.


However, BoA and IU are the exceptional cases. Unlike these two stars, numerous celebrities attend college. Of course, there are some celebrities, even after getting in the college, who are serious about their academics and fulfill all their duties as a college student. However, the problem is that these exemplary celebrities are only a tiny minority. Instead, the majority of celebrities who enter college are just ghost students who barely show up for classes, let alone even go to the college campus at all.

With the recent surge of celebrities who are starting the make their debut while they’re in elementary, junior high, or high school, the number of celebrities who are attending colleges have experienced a sharp increase as well. On top of that, due to increasing numbers of celebrities who use college attendance as a means to boost their image as well as delay their military duties, there are more celebrity ghost students now.

In reality, celebrities tend to face a difficult situation as it’s physically hard to juggle both work and college life. However, they manage to graduate from college despite being a ghost student and receiving special (?) care regarding academic matters. Fellow college students and the public are voicing strong criticism of such celebrity ghost students.

BoA and IU are being applauded for their decision and desirable attitude to postpone college enrollment due to the fact that they cannot fully commit themselves. I would hate to think that they would lose out on the college experience. I’m sure this was an extremely tough decision to make.


source: soompi

Comments

[anthonymarie.livejournal.com]

I believe that one’s sensibility or ability is more crucial than one’s educational background.

mte.

[katyip.livejournal.com]

hm. doesn't that really depend on where in life you are?

[drfaith101.livejournal.com]

I appreciate that. It slightly irks me when celebrities 'attend' university and spend most of their time MIA from classes. Especially as that probably cost someone else (who would attend) a place at the school.

[askbask.livejournal.com]

Just do whatever feels right and don't listen to anyone's advice. That's my advice.

[gekkonorondo.livejournal.com]

But aren't they following your advice if they're listening to you!? XD

[itangeisha.livejournal.com]

that's good. because if you really want to study, it's better taking time and study properly.

[beatification.livejournal.com]

However, they manage to graduate from college despite being a ghost student and receiving special (?) care regarding academic matters. Fellow college students and the public are voicing strong criticism of such celebrity ghost students.

I need something more substantial than that. Otherwise, don't pass it off as a fact.

[devilstay.livejournal.com]

This. I hate it, when articles try to turn obvious statements, that the general public find true, into facts.

[katiewenchh.livejournal.com]

i think they're making smart choices. it is pretty ridiculous when celebs attempt to juggle their careers and going to school. hell, i can barely handle a part time job on top of my classes.

[katyip.livejournal.com]

If I was in their position, I don't know if I would do the same.

But I guess it really depends where you want to go in life - the entertainment industry doesn't need college degrees...but what happens after the entertainment industry? They're not all going to be idols forever, right? I'm not sure. Would you post-pone it too? And until how long?

I was just wondering, how many idols actually went through a proper college experience anyway...the only one I can think of is Heechul.

[laisseli.livejournal.com]

I think Younha did as well. And Tablo. But then again, they aren't really idols.

[cette-amour.livejournal.com]

i think lee seunggi graduated and got an economics or business degree. not sure if u would count him as an idol though

[nandexdame.livejournal.com]

Idols in Japan seem to be able to get degrees often enough if they want to. I think at least half of News is either in college or already have a degree. It takes them longer, but they can do it--although I believe Tegoshi takes online classes. I don't think its anyone's place to tell another person not to enroll in school, even if they can only do a few online or in person classes here or there. I also don't see the point in "applauding" or negatively judging celebs for not going to college.

I think kpop needs to find a happy medium that allows their idols to honestly pursue education if they want. But then again kpop needs to find a happy medium between a million things right now.

[devilstay.livejournal.com]

+1

Some celebs, go to school and graduate. Going to school is never easy, even if you're a ghost, especially if you're an idol ghost, who spend his/her time getting nil sleep and promoting albums, learning dances, doing variety shows/drama/movies/CF.

If they don't want to go to school okay. If they want to go to school, that's okay too. Why anybody else feels the need to criticizes them about it, is beyond me. There are some decisions that quite honestly speaking have no place in a fangirl/boys life, I wish someone would tell them that.

[anego08.livejournal.com]

I know Changmin has taken online classes. And Yamapi actually went to classes at Meiji Univeristy (and he was going for entertainment business I think, which will definitely help in his career) I mean, if your university is set up in a way where lectures are kind of optional in the sense of grades, then I guess it really doesn't matter as long as your doing the studying and there to take the exams. In Germany (I'm not from Germany, btw, I'm American, but I'm in a German class now . . . why am I telling you this?) I know that the lectures are completely voluntary, attendance is not taken at all, and the only thing students are required to show up for is the exams.

Is it similar in Korea though? In America if you don't show up to enough lectures, even if you hand in assignments, they kick you out of the class.

[lightframes.livejournal.com]

Depends on the university and the class in the U.S. - I've heard a lot of people brag "I never went to that class and I passed." But I agree that most of them will drop you if you don't attend, especially in grad school.

[untrueo.livejournal.com]

The whole point of higher education is to do as much as you want. If some idols want to focus on their career that is on them. Those that don't go to college and work, same to them. You can do both if you plan right. Education is at the local bookstore. You can always go to a university and get a piece of paper that says I am certified.

[rikayla.livejournal.com]

Rather off-topic, but this article reminds me of how James Franco is taking classes at Yale etc. all while filming movies. Makes me feel incompetent.

[devilstay.livejournal.com]

Lol. James Franco is insane. (just wanted to add that)

And yes, every-time, I hear about idol/celebs, I feel ashamed. I mean why do I tire out after 3 hours of uni and a 30 minute bus ride back home? No, I couldn't handle idol life. I don't care what anyone says, idols work fucking hard!

[mediumpurple.livejournal.com]

opportunity costs!!!...

[sol-superstar.livejournal.com]

You really shouldn't go to university just for the sake of "going". You must actually have a desire to do complete a degree otherwise it's just a waste of your time and the university's. Even if some of these idols do actually have a real desire to complete uni, they still don't have the time and are just overloading an already horrendous schedule. You've got to really make time for uni. I'm only undergrad and I'm still nearly always busy and I'm not an idol.

[akaich0u.livejournal.com]

Exactly!

[ur-a-funny-1.livejournal.com]

Well, personally, i think there's too much of a dichotemy happening here. Why must it be Idol OR Uni student?

Is it not possible in Korea to be a part-time student? I know that here in Australia it's really common for people, especially mature-age students, to be working full-time, and just work slowly on their degree at night-time, over the internet/distance education, or fit it in and around their work hours?

In Australia, most subjects don't have lectures as compulsary only tutorials, and even then, i've known some subjects at my uni to record their tutorials in addition to the lectures and post the recordings and any materials online and expect students to listen/watch online then record any work and post that online too. AND even then, this is for students who enroll to be an "internal" student, i.e. attend classes on campus.

There's also the option of being an "external" student where you do everything either online or it's sent to you, and you send your work back or post it online. These external students only actually have 1 day in the entire semester where it's compulsary to be on campus, and if you can't make that, you can negotiate with the lecturer/whoever.

From what i know, pretty much anything is possible, if you really want to go to University here.

[ur-a-funny-1.livejournal.com]

Forgot to mention, that of course the exams are compulsary, but even then, there are forms here you can fill in to take the exam at a different time/place if you need to.

[taylorniw.livejournal.com]

Good for them. I always think it's ridiculous that idols go into uni to study acting, when a. they'd get the job no matter how bad they were, and b. that spot could be going to someone who is actually able to show up every day.

[taylorniw.livejournal.com]

And I say acting because they almost never study anything else.

[spasticredthing.livejournal.com]

gp basic?

[katzsong.livejournal.com]

I've been wondering about this, 'coz sometimes I'm bored and like to ponder trivial stuffs such as the difference between K-idols and J-idols LOL
Since I like JE boys, I learn that most of them didn't attend college and focus on their career. Special case like Sho Sakurai, he did have a determination to attend University and ambition to finish undergraduate study. And he's kinda a perfectionist and workaholic, so he works out those world well. He attended every class and finished with flying colors (or so I have heard from various articles and interviews). And aside from Idol works, he also got a quite serious job as news caster/reporter, which clearly shows the influence of his academic background.

While in K-idol world, I've seen many news of Idols enrolled in some University. But there's no / minimal follow-up articles. And I rarely see the use of academic background in their work. At least for the newer idols. I'm kinda blind for the older idol generations. Enlighten me?

But my point is, in K-idol world there seems to be an unwritten rule/pressure for idols to keep continuing their study, until they got a degree from university (Bachelor/Master/etc). Some kind of pride? that's the impression that I'm getting.

[xanderave.livejournal.com]

Sho is a totally different breed haha. You don't even have to say idols, a normal person cannot be compared to him either. He has been integrated into Keio education ladder since kindergarten and it is not easy to go up the rank. And he promised his parents that being a Johnny would not affect his studies in any way - that includes any student activity. It is still a mystery how he survived on 7-8 hours of sleep in a week.

[phililen3.livejournal.com]

Lee Seunggi. that is all i will say.

[yumi-maki.livejournal.com]

I can understand where they're coming from. Of course, education is important but if you decide to go to college, it makes sense that you would want to be able to give it your all which is difficult when they have to study and juggle their ridiculous schedules. I know some people are very serious about school and they manage to work and go to college and graduate but not everyone has the same abilities and studying patterns or ways of concentrating. I appreciate wanting to focus your attention on one thing at a time and it's not as though you can't go to university when you're an adult. There's nothing wrong with that. They can always go back to school after they finish their entertainment careers if they want. I think it all depends on the person and they must know how much they can handle. If they don't think they can adequately do both, then I won't blame them for putting one on hold.