"Excited by BTS-Like Looks, Japanese Housewife Deceived by Underground Idol Loses Fortune"

Minority Idols Mainly Performing in Underground Venues
"Spending 400,000 Won Weekly to Get Date Rights," Confession

A Japanese woman who became deeply obsessed with Korean idols reportedly spent about 24 million won on a man posing as a Korean, a "jihadol" (underground idol), sparking heated debate among Japanese netizens.

On the 2nd, the Japanese weekly magazine Gendai Business revealed the story of a 44-year-old housewife, Ms. A, who spent 2.5 million yen (about 24 million won) on a male jihadol. Jihadol refers to idols in the Japanese idol industry who do not appear on major media such as broadcasts but focus on live performances. They mainly perform in underground venues, hence the name jihadol, and after the shows, they take photos and interact closely with fans. Male jihadols are called "menchika."

The photo is not related to the specific content of the article. [Photo by Reuters·Yonhap News]

Ms. A, who lived in Tokyo with her husband and only elementary school daughter, became deeply immersed in Korean idols including BTS as she spent more time at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While looking for BTS merchandise, she met Mr. B (19), who introduced himself as Korean, in Shin-Okubo, Tokyo’s largest Korean town.

Ms. A recalled, "Receiving a concert flyer in Shin-Okubo was the trigger. I was unknowingly excited when I heard 'Please come to the show' from someone who looked like a BTS member." She added, "The concert ticket was not cheap at 2,000 yen (about 20,000 won), but the first show offered a free cheki (instant photo), so I went in. Honestly, the performance was as rough as a school play, but I was captivated by their earnest dancing."

Falling for Mr. B, Ms. A visited Shin-Okubo every week, spending about 40,000 yen (about 400,000 won) per visit including tickets and albums. She even competed with other women seeking Mr. B, spending large sums weekly to get a chance to date him.

Eventually, Ms. A was able to date Mr. B after six months. However, when they visited a dermatology clinic together, she discovered that Mr. B was actually Japanese, pretending to be Korean.

Shocked, Ms. A began to distance herself from Mr. B and stopped seeking him out. She said, "The moment I found out, I felt like a fool. I spent all the money I had saved, but I will take this as a lesson," with a bitter expression.

She also expressed concern, saying, "There were many young girls who looked underage around, and they were spending a lot of money too. People who prey on such young girls should all be caught."

Meanwhile, the story sparked a debate among Japanese netizens. Some criticized Ms. A’s actions, saying, "I don’t understand spending so much money on a jihadol," "Aren’t her family members doing anything?" and "She’s foolish."

On the other hand, many defended her, saying, "She’s already regretting it, so don’t criticize her too harshly," "At least she realized it quickly," "It’s a life experience," and "It’s her own money; why is it a problem if she spends it as she wants?"