K-Pop Dungeon
| Synonyms: | Basement |
| See also: | The Big Three, Nugu, Entertainment Agency, K-Pop Stan Twitter |
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A dungeon is a term used when a K-Pop group hasn't released any music or promoted for various reasons. This is often due to mismanagement or a hiatus, leading fans to say that they have been "locked away in a dungeon" by their company.
Alternatively, this can sometimes be called the basement.
Artists in the 'Dungeon'
YG Dungeon
YG Entertainment is often criticized for 'dungeoning' their artists, such as BLACKPINK, who did not release any albums for nearly 2 years,[1] or TREASURE for having year-long hiatuses.[2] Fans have called this the 'YG Dungeon'.
Other Dungeons
Other groups that are often seen as being in the 'K-Pop Dungeon' include f(x), Pristin, After School, WINNER, gugudan, 4minute, CL and others.
Nugu groups are frequently seen as being in dungeons.
The 'dungeons' can often be named after the group's label. For example, 'YG Dungeon' or 'SM Dungeon'.
Escape From the Idol Dungeon
Kpopalypse created the fan game called "Escape from the Idol Dungeon" parodying this concept, wherein fans help free Korean pop idols from a literal dungeon.
Further Reading
- Deep Dive: What is the YG Dungeon, and Should Fans Be Worried About It?, Archived version (2021)
- The K-Pop Dungeon Tour: Mismanagement by YG, SM & More | K-Pop Deep Dive #18 (2020)