7 Biggest Scandals That Shook South Korean Entertainment Industry: Kim Soo-Hyun Dating Row, Kim Seon-Ho GF Abortion & More
In the past few years, the South Korean entertainment industry has taken not just the country but the entire world by storm, and fans have majorly divided it into two sectors -- K-pop and K-dramas. But the popularity has also exposed the world to the dark side of the industry and the shocking controversies involving some of the biggest K-pop and K-drama stars.
Fans of Korean entertainment are currently invested in one of the biggest scandals of the industry -- the Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae-ron dating row. As the controversy brews, here's a look at the other scandals that shook the K-industry in the past.
Kim Soo Hyun Dating Scandal
South Korean superstar Kim Soo Hyun, who became an international heartthrob with his show Queen of Tears, is currently embroiled in a major controversy after the family members of late actress, Kim Sae-ron, accused him of dating her when she was a minor, grooming and manipulating her, and later, leaving her, all of which pushed her to end her life.
While the actor admitted that he did date Sae-ron in the past, he stated that she was not a minor when the two were together. Soo Hyun lost some of the biggest brand collaborations and shows due to the scandal, and his upcoming show, Knock Out, has also been shelved.
Kim Seon-Ho Girlfriend Abortion Scandal
In 2021, Hometown Cha Cha Cha fame Kim Seon-Ho was all over the news after his former girlfriend claimed that the actor coerced her to undergo an abortion under the pretext of marrying her, but later stepped back from his words. However, the claims were later found to be fake and malicious, but Seon-Ho's career took a hit as he was dropped by several shows, brands and advertisers. He returned to the industry after a hiatus of 7 months post the controversy.
T.O.P Marijuana Row
T.O.P, who made his comeback with Squid Game season 2, was arrested in 2017 after he was found possessing and consuming marijuana. He was subjected to a 10-month suspended prison sentence, and he received severe backlash from his fans across South Korea.
Seo Yea-Ji Bullying & Fraud Accusations
It's Okay To Not Be Okay actress, Seo Yea-Ji, grabbed eyeballs in 2021 after she was accused of gaslighting her ex-boyfriend, actor Kim Jung-hyun. In the same year, she was also accused of school violence and bullying, and an anonymous victim even claimed that she would steal money and harass those whom she did not like. The actress went off the radar for nearly a year after the scandal.
The Burning Sun Scandal
Former BIGBANG member Seungri found himself at the centre of the Burning Sun scandal back in 2019 when two female journalists exposed how several influential and renowned K-pop stars sexually harassed and distributed obscene videos of women being assaulted. The scandal opened a can of worms for the South Korean entertainment industry. Jung Joon-Young and Choi Jong-Hoon were accused of intoxicating and gang-raping a woman at the Burning Sun club of which Seungri was an internal director. Several cops were also named in the scandal for supporting Seungri and covering up the ugly happenings of the club in exchange for money.
Yoo Ah-In Propofol Abuse
South Korean actor Yoo Ah-in, known for his role in Hellbound, was sentenced to one year in jail in 2024 after he was found guilty of illegally using propofol 181 times under the pretense of cosmetic procedures. He was labelled a "habitual drug user" and he had also tested positive for cocaine, cannabis and ketamise use.
G-Dragon Drugs Case
In 2023, BIGBANG member G-Dragon was booked by the Incheon Police for alleged drug use. However, the case was closed within a few months after a series of negative drug tests and insufficient evidence against him. However, the scandal took a toll on his public image, and he faced severe backlash as well as professional setbacks.
In 2011 too, he had tested positive for marijuana.
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