Top 5 “Betrayals” That Shook The K-Entertainment Industry In 2024
2024 has been another year of glitz and glam in the Korean entertainment business. A good number of K-Pop idol groups embarked on world tours; Big names like Stray Kids, ATEEZ, TWICE, and even BTS achieved remarkable success on prominent international charts. BLACKPINK‘s Rosé, who actively pursued her solo career, also achieved astounding results by setting a record for the highest-charting K-Pop female artist on international music charts with her new single, “APT.”
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While such successful endeavors took K-Pop to new heights, though, the business also faced frequent controversies and incidents. The never-ending conflict between HYBE and former ADOR‘s CEO Min Hee Jin created prolonged tension. Personal scandals also garnered attention, such as T-ARA’s Jiyeon announcing her divorce, former LABOUM member Yulhee accusing her ex-husband Choi Minhwan of FTISLAND of infidelity, and soloist Jessi halting her activities after being falsely accused of condoning fan violence.
According to Sports Khan, the news outlet behind Korea’s take on the “Golden Raspberry Awards,” these five incidents were particularly disappointing and received the heaviest public criticism.
1. Kim Ho Joong’s K-Drama-Esque Lies
In May, trot singer Kim Ho Joong was charged for fleeing the scene after causing a DUI accident. The accident occurred when he crossed the center line and collided with an oncoming taxi. Following the investigation, he was prosecuted and sentenced to two years and six months in prison on November 13.
The DUI alone was unforgivable, but what truly turned the public against him was his attempt to cover up the incident. Immediately after the accident, he instructed his manager to falsely confess, while the CEO and director of his agency reportedly ordered the removal of the blackbox memory chip from the vehicle to conceal evidence. Even after the false confession was uncovered, Kim adamantly denied drinking for over ten days and proceeded to perform in all his scheduled solo concert appearances.
Famous Korean Singer Caught Trying To Make His Manager The Scapegoat For A DUI
This behavior led to his eventual detention and trial, marking a rare case of a celebrity receiving a prison sentence for a DUI incident. Kim’s legal team immediately appealed the first trial’s verdict, further intensifying public criticism.
2. BTS Suga’s E-Scooter Fumble
In August, BTS member Suga shocked the public when he was booked for driving an electric scooter under the influence of alcohol. After drinking, he rode the scooter home, falling off on the sidewalk in front of his apartment complex. Later, police reports exposed his blood alcohol level at the time was 0.2227%, far exceeding the license revocation threshold of 0.08%. Given he was serving his mandatory military duty through alternative service at the time, public criticism was inevitable.
For Suga, too, the DUI itself was only a part of the disappointment that ensued. As both Suga and his agency released official statements to explain and apologize for the incident, they faced massive backlash for allegedly downplaying the details of the accident. Comparing Suga to other BTS members fulfilling active military duty diligently, the fandom was split between those more forgiving vs. those demanding Suga’s withdrawal from the group to preserve the group’s global reputation.
About two weeks after the incident, Suga appeared before the police for questioning. The case was closed with a fine of ₩15.0 million KRW (about $10,300 USD) imposed.
3. Lim Young Woong’s Sassy DM
Early December, trot singer turned one of the most successful soloists in Korea, Lim Young Woong sparked public backlash with a single comment. During South Korea’s political unrest as the now-impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, Lim shared an Instagram post December 7 celebrating his dog’s birthday. When criticized for his inconsiderate timing, Lim ended up getting sassy in a DM that went mega viral.
While some defended him, arguing that “his tone or the DM itself wasn’t inherently rude,” many criticized him, saying, “saving democracy isn’t about political alignment.” The situation worsened as Lim’s management chose to stay silent and remained unresponsive to the online buzz.
Lim Young Woong’s “Attitude” In A DM Response Sparks Massive Criticism
Since the scandal, Lim Young Woong’s long-running nickname of “Hero” now competes with the more disgraceful 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” photos were leaked, Seunghan’s return to the group was announced—only to be reversed.
SM Entertainment‘s Wizard Production, the team producing RIIZE, announced on October 11 that Seunghan would return to the boy group. The announcement was met with intense opposition from the fandom, leading to protests with funeral wreaths placed in front of SM Entertainment’s headquarters. Just two days later, Wizard Production reversed its decision. Seunghan also penned a letter expressing his intention to leave the group, solidifying RIIZE as a six-member team.
In November, SM Entertainment announced plans for Seunghan to debut as a solo artist. Regardless, the K-Pop giant has since been slammed over and over again for mishandling the whole situation involving the former member’s scandal, hiatus, return, withdrawal, and now, solo debut.
5. Taeil And The Quasi-Rape Case
According to police investigation, former NCT member Taeil, along with two acquaintances, was accused of a “sexual crime” involving an intoxicated woman in June. When the case came to light in August, SM Entertainment announced his immediate departure from the group.
Public criticism peaked in October when it was revealed that Taeil reported charge under investigation is, in Korean, “Special Quasi-Rape.” According to Korean law, the term “special” indicates that it was aggravated—meaning that it either involved weapon(s) or, in his case, more than two people. The term “quasi” indicates that the victim was unconscious and/or unable to resist. His charge in the US would most accurately be referred to as “aggravated rape.” Fans were outraged upon discovering that Taeil had conducted a live broadcast shortly after his police interrogation. SM Entertainment subsequently terminated its exclusive contract with Taeil, announcing his complete removal from the company.
Taeil was referred to the prosecution without detention in September following the police investigation. The case is ongoing, still under investigation at the Seoul Central District Prosecutor’s Office.
