SM Entertainment has been the target of concern after fans noticed t that the trainee seem to have much lighter skin, and it came from Red Velvet‘s Seulgi. Seulgi is known for is her naturally tanned complexion, her monolid eyes, and cat-like facial structure.
Even, her skin was even more caramel-toned before she debuted with Red Velvet.
And fans have noticed a similar pattern with stars from several other SM Entertainment groups too, such as NCT‘s new member Shotaro.
Shotaro’s skin tone looks noticeably darker than it does since he debuted.
The old school photos of Giselle—the fourth member of their new girl group, aespa, had surfaced online and fans say they showed a much more tanned complexion.
Some have accused SM Entertainment of actively whitewashing their idols. Seulgi explained all in an episode of her reality show with Irene, Level Up! Thrilling Project.
In a clip from the show, Seulgi and Irene were seen reminiscing about their old trainee days—and one thing that stood out to Seulgi was how her appearance changed. The main dancer mentioned that she used to be a tan child, but once she joined SM Entertainment, her skin got paler.
Irene explains the funny reason: “because we were in the basement so much!“.
“In the basement” is a joking term fans often use to describe idols with few activities and comebacks, but in the case of SM Entertainment, it’s a real place.
Many of the company’s practice rooms are located below ground level at the company’s headquarters, while the above floors comprise a public restaurant, store, and offices.
SM Entertainment trainees can spend six to seven hours a day practicing, six days a week.
Some trainees (such as those with short training periods, like Shotaro and Giselle) even choose to stay behind and practice longer.
With so much time spent in a basement away from natural sunlight, it’s no surprise that trainees’ complexions are so much paler by the time they debut.
