They're not idols though. Maybe in a people can look up to them sense but not otherwise.
It wouldn't have made such a scandal if she hadn't shaved her head she would have just been demoted and that's it people would keep going. The whole thing is unfortunate.
I don't like the rule but when you think about it AKB in progressive in a lot of ways. Some people don't realize this but back in the day if you were an idol and caught dating you would be kicked out of a group.
On the bright side at least AKB is allowed to have unrequited love. There are groups like Morning Musume. where even unrequited love is not allowed (correct me if I'm wrong)
...Okay it's not really much of a bright side. The rule might change over time.
Some argue the way idols are would change.
There's more of a closeness where idols know fans on first name basis etc especially with indie idols like Fudanjuku for example.
If getting rid of that rule changes things we have to wait and see.
Miichan still has support. For So Longs dramas she was voted 8th place.
