The K-Pop world was recently saddened by a heartbreaking revelation from first-generation idol Kan Miyoun of Baby V.O.X. She bravely shared that she has lost significant portions of her memory due to severe trauma stemming from the relentless malicious comments and anti-fan culture she experienced during her active years.
Appearing on Channel S‘s Noldun Unnie 2 (놀던언니2), Kan Miyoun opened up about her challenging days as an idol, recalling a time when Baby V.O.X was arguably one of Korea’s most controversial groups.
A First-Gen Idol’s Traumatic Past
For those new to K-Pop history, Kan Miyeon was a pivotal member of Baby V.O.X, a pioneering girl group from K-Pop’s first generation that achieved immense popularity. However, their meteoric rise was unfortunately overshadowed and ultimately cut short by a massive scandal involving Kan Miyoun and H.O.T.‘s leader, Moon Hee Joon. This highly publicized situation instantly turned Baby V.O.X into a target, famously attracting an astonishing 2 million anti-fans – a truly unprecedented and terrifying number that speaks volumes about the intensity of the backlash they faced.
During the candid episode, Kan Miyoun spoke with raw emotion about the profound difficulties and deep-seated trauma from that period of her life, effects which sadly persist to this very day.
The Chilling Reality of Anti-Fans
I was a young teenager. Although I am fine now, at the time, I’d get afraid if I even looked at a school uniform.
— Kan Miyoun
Adding another layer to the painful narrative, fellow Baby V.O.X member Kim E-Z, who also featured on the episode, recounted a truly chilling incident. She described a terrifying moment when hordes of anti-fans cornered and blocked the group inside a store, highlighting the real-world threats and intimidation they constantly endured.
I remember Kan Miyoun and I went to a store to buy our CEO a birthday present and over 200 anti-fans surrounded the store and tried to break the door and windows.
— Kim E-Z
It was after this harrowing account that Kan Miyoun delivered her most poignant confession. She revealed that, as a direct consequence of the immense psychological trauma she suffered, she simply doesn’t remember much from her formative idol days. This heartbreaking loss of memory underscores the severe and lasting impact of such intense public scrutiny and hatred.
Remembering Baby V.O.X’s Legacy
I have almost no memory from my 20s-30s.
— Kan Miyoun
Despite the incredibly painful and often forgotten chapters of her past, Kan Miyoun continues to be a vital link to Baby V.O.X’s enduring legacy. Her strength in sharing her story shines a light on the dark side of idol life and the critical need for a kinder, more supportive fan culture.
