Amidst the fierce competition in the K-pop industry, Michelle Cho has a different vision.
She sat down for an interview with Korea Joong-Ang Daily and shared her perspective on the mental health of K-pop artists.
As CEO of the agency Singing Beetle, Michelle believes that K-pop is not just about music or choreography, but also about a healthy work environment for its artists.
With four years of experience at SM Entertainment as part of the A&R team, she is accustomed to seeing the process of idol formation from the beginning, from discovering potential to developing it.
However, she has also witnessed the darker side of the industry: immense pressure, high expectations, and mental health issues that are too often overlooked.
In addition to her experience in A&R, Michelle brings a unique background, including a master's degree in education policy from Harvard, to her work philosophy at Singing Beetle.
Her focus is clear: creating an environment where artists feel safe, supported, and able to persist in the industry for a long time without losing their happiness.
Emotional support systems are also implemented, such as regular training on mental health and cultural sensitivity, and a "traffic light" method that allows staff and artists to openly discuss their mental health.
This year, Michelle finally introduced her first idol group: 1Verse, a five-member boy group from diverse cultural backgrounds, including Seok and Hyuk, who once fled North Korea.
Michelle ensures that, in addition to their inspiring backstories, each 1Verse member is fully involved in the creative process, from songwriting and choreography to visual concept design.
For Michelle, this deep involvement not only makes the work more honest but also strengthens the emotional bond with fans.
Going forward, 1Verse is targeting a global market while maintaining the same message: artist happiness is just as important as success on stage.***/Source: Korea Joong-Ang Daily
