Should Discipline Cultures Still Exist in Entertainment?
Veteran Korean singer No Sa-yeon recently stirred controversy when she openly criticized junior artist Hyun Jin-young’s past behavior on a TV appearance. Recounting her earlier days in the music industry, No discussed her role in enforcing strict discipline among younger singers — a practice widely known in Korea as gungi culture, where seniors uphold a hierarchical order by demanding respect and obedience from juniors.
She highlighted a specific incident where Hyun Jin-young allegedly failed to properly greet senior artists and later reported her scolding to Lee Soo-man, founder of SM Entertainment. No’s anecdote, delivered with a mix of humor and seriousness, reopened a larger discussion: is such disciplining acceptable in today’s entertainment world, or is it an outdated tradition that stifles growth and individuality?
In Favor of the Old Ways
Supporters of No Sa-yeon’s approach argue that in cutthroat, competitive environments like the entertainment industry, maintaining decorum (polite behavior) is crucial. They believe that enforcing clear hierarchies prevented disorder and ensured respect among artists, which contributed to a more structured and professional scene.
As one fan noted online, “When young idols learn manners, they grow into artists who last.” There’s also the comparison to American film sets, where legendary directors such as Clint Eastwood or Martin Scorsese are known for promoting a culture of discipline and professionalism — not through public scolding, but through clear expectations and mutual respect.
Some sociological studies support the idea that traditional hierarchies, when used responsibly, can provide stability, mentorship, and even protect young members in a high-pressure culture. These structures can teach responsibility, especially in countries where cultural respect for elders remains strong.
Criticism of Discipline Culture & Public Exposure
However, more and more voices say these military-style hierarchies have no place in modern creative industries. Critics argue that such systems discourage individuality and open communication. Worse, they can sometimes mutate into abuse, as juniors fear speaking out against seniors.
Many were uncomfortable with No Sa-yeon’s public reveal. What some saw as blunt honesty, others saw as harmful. Discussing Hyun Jin-young’s behavior on television risked damaging his reputation, especially since he wasn’t present to explain his side. “Calling someone out on national TV is not mentorship. It’s humiliation,” one comment read.
This incident also brought generational differences into sharper focus. What older entertainers viewed as ‘respectful,’ newer ones might find hierarchical or overly controlling. Younger artists today are more likely to desire equal treatment, open discussion, and room to question authority when needed.
Time for Dialogue, Not Discipline
This isn’t just about who was wrong or right in a decades-old spat. It’s about whether the industry as a whole is evolving in the right way. No Sa-yeon may have had good intentions back then, but perhaps a private conversation would have been more constructive than a public rebuke years later.
Instead of rekindling old dramas, some suggest industry veterans and rookies should engage in open dialogue about new workplace norms. If the goal is to foster personal growth and respect, then communication — not criticism — is the better tool.
Conclusion
In retrospect, what No Sa-yeon enforced was an attempt to preserve structure in a chaotic business. But structure maintained through fear or shaming may no longer be acceptable today. Those entering music, film, or any creative field want a culture fueled by inspiration, not intimidation.
As entertainment industries worldwide become more inclusive and global, respect has to be mutual. Seniors should guide, not scold. Juniors should listen, but also be heard. Only then can authentic, vibrant, and resilient artistic communities emerge. In the end, perhaps what we need isn’t fewer rules, but more empathy — and definitely less public shaming on TV.
