SEVENTEEN Pledis Entertainment Mistreatment Controversy: Members Reveal Shocking Truth

The glitz and glamour of K-pop often hide a darker reality. SEVENTEEN members have finally broken their silence regarding the severe treatment they faced during their debut years under Pledis Entertainment, sparking a massive outcry among global fans who are now labeling the agency's actions as "child abuse."

SEVENTEEN Pledis Entertainment Mistreatment Controversy Unveiled

On January 22, 2026, a new episode of 'Boo Seungkwan’s Bibabu' featured Seungkwan and DK discussing the hardships following their debut. Seungkwan didn't hold back, describing the period as "World War II." The revelations included being scolded for minor things like bringing bags into the training room and having their phones confiscated for an entire 1 year during promotions.

Perhaps the most heartbreaking detail was the enforced social isolation. Despite being known as 'social butterflies,' the members were reportedly scolded by Pledis if they tried to make friends with idols from other groups, effectively cutting them off from a support system outside the agency.

From Sleep Deprivation to Body Shaming

The abuse wasn't just mental—it was physical. Seungkwan revealed that the group was prohibited from sleeping during commutes between schedules. They had to take turns waking each other up to stay alert. Furthermore, despite the grueling schedules and poor nutrition, members were shamed if they gained weight to the point where their stage outfits didn't fit perfectly.

Fans across social media are expressing their fury. Given that half of the members were minors and others were barely 18 or 19 at debut, netizens are calling out Pledis Entertainment for systemic child abuse. Context from past shows like Nana Tour is being revisited, with fans noting Woozi's past anger and Joshua's near-departure as evidence of the immense pressure they endured.