2024 has been one other 12 months of glitz and glam within the Korean leisure enterprise. A superb variety of Okay-Pop idol teams launched into world excursions; Massive names like Stray Children, ATEEZ, TWICE, and even BTS achieved exceptional success on outstanding worldwide charts. BLACKPINK‘s Rosé, who actively pursued her solo profession, additionally achieved astounding outcomes by setting a file for the highest-charting Okay-Pop feminine artist on worldwide music charts along with her new single, “APT.”
Whereas such profitable endeavors took Okay-Pop to new heights, although, the enterprise additionally confronted frequent controversies and incidents. The endless battle between HYBE and former ADOR‘s CEO Min Hee Jin created extended rigidity. Private scandals additionally garnered consideration, equivalent to T-ARA’s Jiyeon asserting her divorce, former LABOUM member Yulhee accusing her ex-husband Choi Minhwan of FTISLAND of infidelity, and soloist Jessi halting her actions after being falsely accused of condoning fan violence.
Jessi Will get Cleared Of All Prices In Fan Assault Incident
In keeping with Sports activities Khan, the information outlet behind Korea’s tackle the “Golden Raspberry Awards,” these 5 incidents have been significantly disappointing and obtained the heaviest public criticism.
1. Kim Ho Joong’s Okay-Drama-Esque Lies
In Might, trot singer Kim Ho Joong was charged for fleeing the scene after inflicting a DUI accident. The accident occurred when he crossed the middle line and collided with an oncoming taxi. Following the investigation, he was prosecuted and sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in jail on November 13.
The DUI alone was unforgivable, however what actually turned the general public towards him was his try and cowl up the incident. Instantly after the accident, he instructed his supervisor to falsely confess, whereas the CEO and director of his company reportedly ordered the elimination of the blackbox reminiscence chip from the automobile to hide proof. Even after the false confession was uncovered, Kim adamantly denied consuming for over ten days and proceeded to carry out in all his scheduled solo live performance appearances.
Well-known Korean Singer Caught Attempting To Make His Supervisor The Scapegoat For A DUI
This conduct led to his eventual detention and trial, marking a uncommon case of a star receiving a jail sentence for a DUI incident. Kim’s authorized workforce instantly appealed the primary trial’s verdict, additional intensifying public criticism.
2. BTS Suga’s E-Scooter Fumble
In August, BTS member Suga shocked the general public when he was booked for driving an electrical scooter inebriated. After consuming, he rode the scooter house, falling off on the sidewalk in entrance of his condominium complicated. Later, police stories uncovered his blood alcohol degree on the time was 0.2227%, far exceeding the license revocation threshold of 0.08%. Given he was serving his necessary army obligation by means of various service on the time, public criticism was inevitable.
For Suga, too, the DUI itself was solely part of the frustration that ensued. As each Suga and his company launched official statements to elucidate and apologize for the incident, they confronted large backlash for allegedly downplaying the main points of the accident. Evaluating Suga to different BTS members fulfilling lively army obligation diligently, the fandom was cut up between these extra forgiving vs. these demanding Suga’s withdrawal from the group to protect the group’s world status.
About two weeks after the incident, Suga appeared earlier than the police for questioning. The case was closed with a nice of ₩15.0 million KRW (about $10,300 USD) imposed.
3. Lim Younger Woong’s Sassy DM
Early December, trot singer turned some of the profitable soloists in Korea, Lim Younger Woong sparked public backlash with a single remark. Throughout South Korea’s political unrest because the now-impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial legislation, Lim shared an Instagram put up December 7 celebrating his canine’s birthday. When criticized for his thoughtless timing, Lim ended up getting sassy in a DM that went mega viral.
Whereas some defended him, arguing that “his tone or the DM itself wasn’t inherently impolite,” many criticized him, saying, “saving democracy isn’t about political alignment.” The scenario worsened as Lim’s administration selected to remain silent and remained unresponsive to the web buzz.
Lim Younger Woong’s “Angle” In A DM Response Sparks Large Criticism
For the reason that scandal, Lim Younger Woong’s long-running nickname of “Hero” now competes with the extra disgraceful considered one of “Mr. What.”
4. Seunghan, Reversed
October marked the official departure of Seunghan from his former group, RIIZE. After being on hiatus for 10 months, after some “problematic” pictures have been leaked, Seunghan’s return to the group was introduced—solely to be reversed.
SM Leisure‘s Wizard Manufacturing, the workforce producing RIIZE, introduced on October 11 that Seunghan would return to the boy group. The announcement was met with intense opposition from the fandom, resulting in protests with funeral wreaths positioned in entrance of SM Leisure’s headquarters. Simply two days later, Wizard Manufacturing reversed its choice. Seunghan additionally penned a letter expressing his intention to depart the group, solidifying RIIZE as a six-member workforce.
In November, SM Leisure introduced plans for Seunghan to debut as a solo artist. Regardless, the Okay-Pop large has since been slammed over and over for mishandling the entire scenario involving the previous member’s scandal, hiatus, return, withdrawal, and now, solo debut.
5. Taeil And The Quasi-Rape Case
In keeping with police investigation, former NCT member Taeil, together with two acquaintances, was accused of a “sexual crime” involving an intoxicated girl in June. When the case got here to mild in August, SM Leisure introduced his quick departure from the group.
Public criticism peaked in October when it was revealed that Taeil reported cost underneath investigation is, in Korean, “Particular Quasi-Rape.” In keeping with Korean legislation, the time period “particular” signifies that it was aggravated—that means that it both concerned weapon(s) or, in his case, greater than two folks. The time period “quasi” signifies that the sufferer was unconscious and/or unable to withstand. His cost within the US would most precisely be known as “aggravated rape.” Followers have been outraged upon discovering that Taeil had performed a stay broadcast shortly after his police interrogation. SM Leisure subsequently terminated its unique contract with Taeil, asserting his full elimination from the corporate.