[OP-ED: This post reflects the opinions of the author and not necessarily those of allkpop.]

RIIZE's debut has been nothing short of meteoric, but amidst their rising popularity, the focus has intriguingly shifted to member Anton and his familial ties. Anton's father is the renowned Yoon Sang, a veteran music producer and musician, revered in the Korean music industry.

For those new to RIIZE, this revelation might raise questions about Anton's entry into the entertainment limelight. Was it a case of nepotism, or did he earn his place through the grueling audition process like his peers? On the show "You Quiz," it was clarified that Anton auditioned on his own merit and this made the haters quiet. But this instance opens up a larger debate about the role of nepotism in K-pop.

Take, for instance, Girl's Generation's Sunny, who faced scrutiny for being the niece of SM Entertainment's founder, Lee Soo Man, during the group's early days. And she's not alone. Rumors often swirl around other stars like TWICE's Tzuyu, BLACKPINK's Jisoo and Jennie, NCT's Chenle, and BTOB's Sungjae, all hailing from supposed wealthy backgrounds, sparking discussions about the influence of affluence and family connections in the industry.

Last year, influencer Bianca Zhou shed light on how wealth can potentially open doors in the K-pop industry. This insight has intensified the debate: Is such a pathway to fame fair or unfair?

In the cutthroat realm of the entertainment industry, where every aspiring artist dreams of their moment in the limelight, the inclination of companies to favor trainees with influential connections is hardly surprising. This reality, while pragmatic from a business standpoint, casts a shadow over the industry's meritocratic ideals. It raises critical questions about the fate of the gifted individuals who, despite their immense talent and relentless dedication, find their paths to stardom obstructed.

The entertainment world, with its glitz and glamour, often masks the harsher realities of unequal opportunities. Aspiring artists spend years honing their craft, investing countless hours in training, only to face the possibility that their break might never come, not for lack of talent, but for lack of connections. This situation isn't unique to the K-pop industry; it's a phenomenon observed globally across various entertainment sectors, from Hollywood to Broadway.

Focusing too much on connections rather than real talent in the entertainment industry can make it less diverse and interesting. When only people with the right contacts get a chance, we miss out on unique stories and fresh ideas from different kinds of people. This can make the entertainment world feel repetitive and less creative.

However, there are times when truly talented people break through these barriers. Their success stories give hope to other artists and show that things can change. These stories remind us that hard work and talent should matter the most.

The big question is, how can we make the entertainment industry more open and fair? One way might be to have clearer and more honest ways of choosing talent. Supporting new and diverse artists, especially those who come from humble beginnings, is also crucial. As viewers and fans, we have a lot of influence. By supporting a wide range of artists, we can help create a more diverse and exciting entertainment world.

In the end, even though knowing the right people can help get someone started, it's the fans' support that really keeps an artist going. Understanding this could help make the entertainment industry a place where all kinds of talent can be recognized and celebrated.

As fans of K-pop, how do you feel about this complex dynamic? Does it taint the pure artistry of the industry, or is it just an unavoidable aspect in the entertainment world and perhaps life in general?