Ashley Choi Was Nervous Talking To Her Therapist | Get Real Ep. #37 Highlight

[@veritush]

"we're the product" is a phrase that sucks but describes the industry behaviour so well... and that's the problem really: entertainment companies treat them like imaginary ideal people instead of human artists. but don't be fooled, that is also how a large portion of the audience treats them by not tolerating any imperfections nor errors in them. for the general public an idol is this perfect saint pure being with superior performance talents and beauty that has never done anything remotely incorrect. it's too much really. I think that the more fandoms become international, the more cultures and perspectives start to mix up and change how demand looks like

[@triscuit2755]

You just voiced my thoughts. I got a bit sad on hearing that line come from him as well. But at least he knows. Some young artists don't. I wish for a healthy entertainment industry and mature fans.

[@HKim0072]

Dude - every job is like this. I've been ready to get fired at any time since I started working as a teenager. No one is irreplaceable.

[@veritush]

@@HKim0072 i don't disagree but that's not the point I was trying to make. it doesn't matter how common certain behaviours are, when companies dehumanize their collaborators it really kills their spirit. it is a reality that anyone can be fired at any point, it is a reality that they can hire someone else (or automate it if applicable), but it is also true that that makes you feel disposable all of the time... and people are not disposable. when you live in fear of losing your livelihood you only get smaller and smaller and smaller.

[@jorge3234]

Every business model has a product. That's just how it works. In the entertainment world (not just in korea, literally everywhere) people are the product for those businesses. We also can't just look over the fact that THESE people want and seek this for themselves. It definitely has many cons but also many pros.

[@Yaya_likestocomment]

03:25 when BM said we're the product, it kinda broke my heart.

[@nameinkyarakhai6511]

Exactly.... Someone please tell Matthew that none of them are products no one from any industry.... Especially this trio..... Cause have you seen idols being this real...... No one is a product especially the GET REAL SQUAD

[@fjp9]

everybody should take quality personal time. stay mentally and physically healthy everybody.

[@yvescensoredmoved.8986]

ASHLEY IS SO BEAUTIFUL OH MY GOD

[@Marzmartes]

“We’re the product” :( bro Matthew please don’t dehumanize yourself that’s so upsetting me like 🥺 bro product is to describe an object not wonderful human beings

[@nameinkyarakhai6511]

Exactly.... Someone please tell Matthew that none of them are products no one from any industry.... Especially this trio..... Cause have you seen idols being this real...... No one is a product especially the GET REAL SQUAD

[@aisyahsuandi5395]

In kpop industry they are considered as product.

[@sen7579]

But the thing is they actually are seen as products by their companies. The industry as a whole has been designed to literally make these idols and present them to be marketable and likeable, hence the amount of money that goes into them. I mean these companies THRIVE and profit off the unhealthy obsession that kpop stans often have with idols. Unfortunately it’s the sad reality of the whole industry.

[@me9981]

The thing is - it's an industry. Industry produces products. What are products of the music industry? Artists and music. Sad (and not at all right in my opinion) but true.

[@sen7579]

@@me9981 100% honestly I think it’s very obvious in the kpop industry specifically than it is in the western music industry, I feel like it’s a lot more hidden in the west. I’m not if it’s a problem in Korean music industry as a whole tho, I don’t know too much about Krnb and Khip-hop.

[@rainbowgirl949494]

you guys MATTER, your feelings MATTER, no matter how people treats you, what they say, YOU ARE NOT A PRODUCT

[@roter13]

Literally, I said "BetterHelp" at the same time as Ashley. Great minds think alike.

[@rosariovarela5490]

Here in argentina going to the therapist is very common and sometimes it doesn't mean that someone goes because it has a problem, some ppl just goes because they want to talk to some and things like, we don't see it as something bad

[@zicoislab2905]

aw thats so nice

[@sm9800]

That's great!

[@m_js5709]

Shout out to you Ashley! I just got accepted for my Clinical Psychology doctorate, and one of the big thing I spoke about in my interviews was normalizing therapy for Asian communities. We need to all help one another!

[@jessicaborschman1912]

Its sad when Ashley said she felt like she couldn't get personal for fear of the psychiatrist talking to the company about what was said.

[@iambffofdarkness4764]

i really can't understand why people trying to hide that they are going to therapist. i mean, if our stomachs get achy and we go to hospital, we don't hide it, right? it is same thing to me.

[@stantalentstanbtob3535]

I agree so much Mental Health is so much of a taboo everywhere! In my country having mental problems is considered overreacting, it hurts so much but you have no one to talk to;(

[@selinabarnes4062]

It's really sad that this issue is also bad to have to deal with. Yes the actor's and idol's do entertain for our listening and watching pleasure but they are human and have real emotions. There physical and mental health should be top priority.

[@sammygurl637]

Never feel ashamed for helping yourself get mentally and mindfully better.. times like this we need to be Selfish and put ourselves first.. SELF-CARE.. SELF-LOVE

[@eli-se4zb]

I pray y'all always get the support you need 💕

[@ItsVanesaZ]

I wish entertainment companies cared more about their idols' mental health, it's just as important as physical health, after all. I'm glad to hear that more companies have psychiatrists available to idols and other employees who are seeking out help but at the same time I feel like it's not enough. Many idols seem to be severely overworked and that can definitely take a toll on one's mental health. It just seems like most companies only do damage control after fans call out certain issues, not because they truly care about the idols' health. Yes it's business and yes idols chose their career path but what is expected of them still seems to be a little too much. I hope this rant made at least a little sense and that everyone who reads this is being kind and understanding not just towards idols but everyone else around them. Life is not easy but we can make it easier for each other just by reaching out and spreading a bit of kindness💛

[@tungry921]

watching this, alll i think about is Jonghyun. and seeing how far the kpop industry has come these days, makes me miss him even more....

[@bheamijares2390]

I'm a psychology major and I just want to put this out here that we should be taking care of our mental health the same way we take care of our physical body. We shouldn't be afraid to seek help when we are in pain mentally just the same way we are not afraid to ask and consult doctors when we are in pain physically. Grateful and thankful to dive studios for talking about mental health in this podcast! Hope you'd continue to spread awareness about the importance of one's mental health❤️

[@Miss_covid]

Ashley Choi is so so so pretty like wtf 😳😍

[@ellyssaaa6113]

I want to have deep conversation w peniel so much.. i mean i love the way he thinks, i like his pov so much🥺🥺

[@wujuorbit]

"At the end of the day, we're the product and the companies are the producers." This saddens me to hear because a lot of non-kpop fans look at the kpop industry exactly this way, and unfortunately in some ways it's true. Big groups are used like cash cows, smaller groups are mistreated. Even though it's getting better these days, kpop 'idols' are still not treated as 'artists' and are not allowed to be one, especially because of their companies. Fans (like Peniel said) are the main reason many taboos are being lifted off the industry _slowly_

[@nameinkyarakhai6511]

Exactly.... Someone please tell Matthew that none of them are products no one from any industry.... Especially this trio..... Cause have you seen idols being this real...... No one is a product especially the GET REAL SQUAD

[@stantalentstanbtob3535]

Happy Birthday Peniel ✨💙🤗

[@ezzgiiiiiiii]

PENIEL SAID WHAT IS THAT AJHAHEVEHQ „i knew what that was“

[@violet-oi2kw]

I feel so sad that BM really said they're the products when it doesn't have to be like that. They're still humans though, what they sell is entertainment (via performance and stuff). This is why they always have to look perfect bcs if they're somehow "defective" then people won't "buy" them or something, BUT seriously, it doesn't have to be like that at all. The thing about kpop industry is that it's a very unhealthy environment. And honestly, the reason why I am still a kpop fan is bcs I wanna support these kind of people who work so hard for their dreams despite all the difficulties, and they need fans to help them get through it- to let them know that they're not alone

[@lauravgo]

im so glad she talked about it...ive been skipping my therapy sessions bc im too nervous to tell her things.. i feel like she's just being paid to hear me and when things get hard many thoughts like that just don't go away and i refuse to ask for help

[@clairevergoz362]

I would love if you could have Park Bom as a guest and talk about mental illness because she's one of the few idols who was honest and open about mental illness. I just feel like it would be so cool to have someone like her who experimented so much in the industry talk with you !!!

[@ohseunghee3207]

Yes. Former nine muses sera too!

[@yielyxx]

the sigh at the end 😢😢

[@jimmiechimmy9031]

Mathew looks so tired and down, I hope you get well soon. You are not product, you are a human and we like that about you. Edit: I also wanna say, the more artists convince themselves of the narrative that companies push on them about being products, the more they internalise the idea and behave a certain way. Fan culture needs to improve too, but idk what managements are telling the artists, sounds toxic....

[@gwen6622]

i mean, under capitalism, he's kinda right. it sucks, but yeah... that's what capitalism is.

[@hluna02]

Every person has their right to get mental health, listen them interpret K-idols (their own self) being product & it's all about "supply & demand" by their company was so sad :(

[@varunalia2589]

Started with mental health and ended with economics 😊

[@sylvanus2554]

I’m glad things are improving in terms of mental health awareness in the industry but I really hope more progress continues to be made because there’s a long way to go, but like Ashley said, something is better than nothing.

[@정혜진-i5u]

앞으로는 더 발전해서 연예인분들이 편하고 당당하게 도움 받았으면 좋겠네요...ㅠㅠ

[@mai-hani7014]

the word used " the companies are producers and we are the products" and "demand and supply" sound so sad. i mean.. these people are human being. i am glad nowadays artists get to speak their mind and getting the rest and mental care they need.

[@Dowoon_is_a_drum]

I don't like to label them as 'products' but unfortunately that's what the industry and some crazy 'fans' think of them. I hope Kpop Industry can improve day by day and idols can be perceived as what they are: human beings just like you and me, they can make mistakes but they can also correct them, they feel pain, feel tiredness, feel anxiety, feel happiness etc. I don't want to lose someone I admire again because they don't feel 'perfect' enough. No one's perfect.

[@lutfia02]

Yep, DoWoon Yoon true, they're all human beings too ;`)

[@nayjashah7368]

Your mental health is important, you are important and so please don’t hurt yourself. If you have the ability to seek help please do 💜

[@ThePammyone]

I understand that there are fears everyone has but for anyone dealing with any kind of mental health issues please know that 1. It does not mean your weak, if anything you're strong for knowing/admitting that you have issues and want to deal with it. 2. It's not your shame, I promise you each and everyone of us are broken in some way and on a journey of healing. Love everyone, big hug.

[@arenjamir3983]

Oh yay Joan is back😍

[@aaa.a123]

It’s really sad to see some fans criticise their idols for taking a hiatus and demanding to know what they are doing. Everyone needs a break.

[@remuspierre8038]

Incredible topics

[@zeetuan2657]

Break the stigma! Your mental health matters

[@Mayelaaa]

ILY GET REAL & Joan!!!💜💜💜

[@blackjackfourever]

yeah I think SM and YG have that i’ve seen that in several shows

[@scifiwasabii]

does JYPE have that too, especially since what happened with mina from twice?

[@Hailogothailo]

Bm are you ok? Take some time if you need we love you 💕

[@AaDe13]

Ashely is just so dreamy to look atand hear 😍

[@cassandra7105]

BigHit also has their personal psychiatrist and offers mental health services to help out their trainees and artists. I heard JYP has one too.

[@MixSonaProductions]

man, I don't go to a shrink.. I'd rather pay for something for myself

[@zkyikhsnt6600]

I'm so grateful that Jae and Sungjin from Day6 are able to be honest to their company and decided to take some time off. And as much as i don't like JYPE, at least they put alot of thoughts on their artists mental condition. Thank you Jae and Sungjin to tell us when you're hurt, that means alot for us My Days ❤

[@kkimcee]

Does it apply to all Korean companies that there is no service/employee assistance program (EAP) for employees to get mental health assistance? 😮

[@moonphilia4451]

Mat isn't feeling good Hope he be better next time 🖤

[@harperm4092]

I’ve gotta say...being an idol seems straight up traumatic. The fact that idols are not given access to therapy/psychiatry is NUTS. Idols WILL break...there’s no way they won’t/don’t. Even if you see them as purely a product...don’t you want that product intact? Idk this whole thing makes me so sad

[@zuzannabrzeszczak1578]

Yeah, and idols _do_ break / fall apart all the time. Why do you think there's so many rumors about drugs or other ,,illegal" substances being taken by these young people? Cause they can't cope with the pressure in any other way. Korea is messed up in so many ways.

[@sarahraharja5541]

Funny that right before this I've just watched Pew News by Poppy (PewDiePie) about B*tter Health and it got mentioned here 😂

[@gitta2315]

Ashley looks like Jung Wheein..

[@nehasydf9655]

Listen to me, if you want professional help. Betterhelp is not the place to resort to. I have heard many negative things about it. Do your own research. Mathew, you ain’t no product, you are a human being like everyone is. Stop it and this goes out to every artist over other. Slave contracts are inhumane, they should be illegal.

[@margamae596]

"in Korea it's pretty taboo to talk about mental health" This is why I'm so proud of Park Bom for speaking up about her ADD but I can never forgive the people specially k netz who ruined her career just because she was taking her medications.

[@kimble90126]

Wow

[@julianasaezrodriguez2067]

que injusto polaris es la peor empresa sin duda ladies code hazo famoso a polaris y el no les paga ni una mierda no las dejaban ver a sus familias y las dejo con traumas

[@pumpkinpie101]

:((

[@Cloudetower]

BetterHelp I looked it up and the wanted to know my gender ok fine but then site asked what was my sexual orentation gay bi straight..Like get the F out why the F would that matter!? All homosapiens are the same when it comes to stress or depression or in my case grief.

[@HarvestingThings]

Some people might prefer people of their same orientation. Like, a gay person might be more comfortable with a gay therapist