South Korea's government has reportedly come under fire for suggesting a cap on K-pop stars appearing on television shows as the singers look too alike.

 

据报道，由于韩国歌手外貌过于相似，政府提议限制偶像歌手在电视节目中的出镜频次，然而此举遭到猛烈抨击。

 

According to the Korea Times, guidelines issued by the ministry¹ of gender² equality and family sparked controversy³ at the weekend for recommending restrictions⁴ on how many singers could be allowed on set at any given time.

 

The guidelines complained that K-pop stars looked too alike, saying "the problem of … uniformity among singers is serious", and noting most idols⁵ were thin and wore identical makeup⁷ and skimpy outfits⁸.

 

"Are the singers on TV music shows twins? They seriously look identical. Most are idol⁶ group members," the guidelines say, according to the Korea Times. "Most of them are skinny and have similar hairstyles and makeup with outfits exposing their bodies."

 

The paragraphs that caused offence advised restricting the number of K-pop singers who appear on a TV show, for fear that similar appearances may promote unrealistic and narrow standards of beauty.

 

Critics said the guidelines were an attempt at "censoring⁹" the profitable industry and could deprive its many fans of the chance to watch its stars.

 

But others said they understood the intent behind the guidelines, adding that outfits worn by some girl-group members were too sexual.

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