The Balance of Freedom and Responsibility in Hip-hop Culture
DJ DOC's Lee Ha-neul's revelation about rapper Juvie Train's past drug use offers us a moment to reconsider 'cultural freedom' and the 'responsibility' that accompanies it. Music is seen as a personal expression and symbol of freedom, but its impact and the responsibility it carries cannot be ignored. Especially as icons of popular culture, musicians must fulfill their social roles and responsibilities and convey healthy values to their fans.
Lee Ha-neul's disclosure is shocking from this perspective. When the private actions of public figures come to light, we often feel disappointed, but we also hope that such revelations encourage them to correct their poor choices. Musicians should strive not just to endure criticism but to acknowledge their mistakes and grow as better individuals. As they recognize and address their issues, the support of the public will likely follow.
The Need for Trust Restoration in the Music Industry
The Korean music industry currently faces significant challenges amidst various conflicts and incidents. While revelations can shock the industry, they also provide opportunities to resolve underlying issues. For the music industry to remain sustainable and trusted, self-regulation and trust restoration are crucial. Like all art, music should ultimately serve the purpose of sincere communication, and elements that disrupt this must be thoroughly addressed.
The Juvie Train incident prompts us once again to ask if artists should meet certain mental and moral standards. To ensure the integrity of the messages music delivers, musicians themselves must undergo self-purification, with public scrutiny and support accompanying them. We can all contribute to creating a better culture through this process.

DJ DOC's Lee Ha-neul has stepped forward with additional revelations regarding rapper Juvie Train. His claims suggest that the rapper alleged misused the influence acquired from popular music. However, we hope that these revelations serve not merely as scandals but as catalysts for the healthy development of Korean hip-hop culture.
About Juvie Train...
- Juvie Train was a member of the hip-hop group 'Buga Kingz' active in the late 1990s.
- He has pursued various musical activities as a rapper.
- Recently, DJ DOC's Lee Ha-neul disclosed allegations concerning his drug use on his YouTube channel.
- Reports suggested that he had frequently used marijuana.