The first half of 2023 has been a rollercoaster ride for the Korean entertainment industry, with its share of shocking revelations and controversy.
- The Fake News Scandal
In January, reports surfaced claiming that Kim Chaewon was dating rapper A, and that G-Dragon was in a relationship with the granddaughter of group president Shinsegae.
These rumors came respectively from a major Japanese weekly newspaper and the Chinese entertainment media Sina Entertainment. Both Kim Chaewon and Shinsegae Group’s agencies have denied the claims.
Barbie Hsu and Koo Jun Yup have also faced numerous fake news stories, including divorce and abortion rumors, not only in Korea but also in China, mostly posted on YouTube and online communities.
In response, Hsu announced his intention to sue these false rumors.
Fake divorce news has also affected Kim Yuna and Ko Woo Rim, who plan to sue netizens and media.
Last month, Sung Hoon and Park Na Rae took a strong stance against absurd rumors that have spread widely in online communities, including sexual harassment remarks and unverified rumors.
- Celebrities who don’t get paid
Recently, Song Ji Hyo got embroiled in a dispute with her former agency, UZUROCKS. In April, Song notified UZUROCKS of the termination of his exclusive contract and appointed a legal representative to sue for salary and settlement payments.
Song Ji Hyo shared that UZUROCKS CEO Park embezzled a total of 1.2 billion won (about $923,000). The star was reported to have paid for surgery costs and living expenses for employees who couldn’t receive their salaries.
Ji Suk Jin, from the same agency, also reportedly took a stand to help staff. He checked daily with his team, including his manager and his team of stylists, if they had received their salaries and even paid them out of pocket.
Media reports have also shared that Lee Seung Gi has actually not been paid for any of his music since his debut.
CEO of HOOK Entertainment (the actor/singer’s agency), Kwon Jin Young, was living a life of luxury while Lee Seung Gi didn’t get paid. Not only that, the CEO demanded billions of won from Lee Seung Gi in order to buy luxury homes, products, and trips.
- Evasion From Compulsory Service
Rappers Ravi and Nafla caused a huge stir with their false claim of epilepsy to evade compulsory service.
Ravi and Nafla were arraigned for conspiring with a broker to submit a false medical certificate of epilepsy in order to qualify for exemption from compulsory service.
In April, both, charged with evading mandatory service, admitted all charges. Therefore, the prosecution requested respectively 2 years and 2.5 years in prison.
- Ongoing Drug and Drunk Driving Scandals
Actor Yoo Ah In, composer Don Spike, and Nam Tae Hyun have been accused of drug use, shocking everyone. Their actions had repercussions not only on those around them, but also on their future projects, sparking public outrage.
Actors Kim Sae Ron and Kwak Do Won, as well as singers Shin Hye Sung and Eru, were tried this year for drunk driving.
