[Comprehensive] "Idol Sexual Exploitation" vs "Just Fanfiction" What Is 'Alpes'... Calls for Ban Reach Blue House Petition

'Real Person Slash' (RPS) Abbreviated as 'Alpes'
Creating Explicit Fiction Using Real Idol Names
"Sexual Exploitation Culture Depicting Sexual Assault" vs "Just a Romance Novel"

On the 11th, a petition was posted on the Blue House National Petition Board requesting the ban of 'Alpes,' a creative novel made using the names of real celebrities. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] A petition has been posted on the Blue House website calling for a ban on so-called 'RPS (Real Person Slash)'?novels that create obscene content using real male idol members?sparking controversy. Those urging the ban argue that such creative acts constitute clear sexual crimes, while some voices claim it is merely a 'play culture' within idol fandoms.

Earlier on the 11th, a petition titled "Please strongly punish RPS users who sexually exploit underage male idols" was posted on the Blue House National Petition Board. RPS stands for 'Real Person Slash,' referring to novels created using real people as subjects.

The issue lies in the fact that RPS novels created by idol fans depict homosexual scenes between male celebrities and idols.

The petitioner stated, "'RPS' is a sexual crime culture that portrays male idols as protagonists in homosexual novels, describing perverted sexual acts or sexual assault in explicit terms that are hard to even mention," criticizing that "numerous male celebrities are already being sexualized."

They added, "Given the nature of idols, whose average age is young, many victims are still minors or just starting their careers," and pointed out, "Users persistently justify their actions by saying 'the idol market is maintained because we continue to consume idols,' despite knowing their behavior is criminal."

The petitioner urged the government to ban RPS, saying, "It reminds me of the attitudes of many power-based sexual offenders like those in the 'Nth Room' case." As of 7 p.m. on the 12th, just one day after posting, the petition had surpassed 130,000 endorsements.

A post by rapper Son Simba on Instagram. / Photo by Instagram capture

The RPS controversy first arose on the 9th when rapper 'Son Simba' mentioned the novels on his Instagram. Son Simba posted, "There are people who sell and even defend novels and drawings depicting perverted sexual acts involving real people."

He stated, "Those who rationalize and defend RPS, HipPS, and deepfakes and continue to consume them are not part of an 'underground culture' but are enjoying 'sexual crimes.' Ignorance may be forgivable, but knowingly committing these acts is hard to forgive. Even if we cannot eradicate it, they should be ashamed and hide, and society must be vigilant and aware," he emphasized.

Subsequently, other rappers posted messages supporting Son Simba's claims. Notably, rapper Irohan shared excerpts from an RPS novel targeting himself on Instagram, strongly criticizing it as "disgusting" and stating, "RPS is a sexual crime."

Some netizens also supported banning such creations, commenting, "It is a clear digital sexual crime," and "There is no difference from sexual exploitation of minors."

On the other hand, some argued that it is merely "a fandom play culture." One netizen said, "Although RPS uses real people's names, it is basically just romance fiction created by fans," and added, "I think it is unreasonable to criticize it as a sexual crime when no actual victim exists."

Another netizen criticized, "It is outrageous to directly compare the 'Nth Room' case, where actual women were sexually exploited and obscene videos were distributed, to RPS," and said, "To equate a situation with clear victims to virtual fanfiction is absurd."