5+ K-Pop Idols Whose Careers Were Almost Ruined By Fake Scandals
Fake scandals are one of the worst things that can happen to a K-Pop idol, as some netizens are quick to judge without proper evidence being given. These kinds of scandals have happened a few times and almost ruined the careers of certain idols. Here are a couple of K-Pop idols whose careers were almost ruined by fake scandals.
1. Kim Wooseok (UP10TION)
Near the end of 2016, a lot of netizens accused Wooseok of purposefully touching Somi‘s chest during a video.
Wooseok received major backlash for this event, but it was soon revealed that Wooseok hadn’t touched Somi’s chest at all. Somi’s agency at the time, YMC Entertainment, even released a statement after discussing it with Somi.
The filming was conducted while the manager was watching and after checking with Somi, Wooshin and the manager there was no such physical contact.
Jeon Somi expressed worry and surprise over such assumptions being made.
We would like to once again state that the accusations being made are not true. We will be careful not to worry fans again. Thank you
— YMC Entertainment and SBS MTV The Show
Forensic analysis was also done, and the results proved that Wooseok was indeed innocent.
While Wooseok was proven innocent, some netizens still bashed him for his actions and demanded an apology from him. All of this caused Wooseok to take a hiatus from UP10TION’s activities, as his mental health was severely damaged.
2. Jennie (BLACKPINK)
During her early days, some people tried to spread a rumor that Jennie was a bully during her time as a student.
These rumors ended up being false and were supposedly spread by someone who hated artists from YG Entertainment.
Another fake rumor that was spread about Jennie was that she was supposedly dating Teddy Park, one of YG Entertainment’s producers.
These rumors also ended up being false, and YG Entertainment even warned about taking legal action towards the person who spread the rumors.
3. Jisoo (Lovelyz)
In 2014, Jisoo had been accused of things like sexual abuse, rape, and assault by a netizen. Woollim Entertainment denied these allegations and soon started an investigation regarding the claims.
Jisoo soon was hospitalized due to the amount of stress she was dealing with. In 2015, the netizen who spread the rumors about Jisoo was found guilty of spreading false accusations.
4. Baekho (NU’EST)
In 2017, Baekho was accused of sexual assault by an anonymous online community member. Pledis Entertainment denied all these accusations and worked to prove Baekho’s innocence.
Fans weren’t too happy about the news, as they proceeded to tear down one of Baekho’s fan ads.
After nearly 8 months of legal disputes, Baekho was proven innocent.
5. IU
In 2019, IU was accused of being involved in a real estate investment scandal.
Many netizens came out to criticize her for her actions, despite nothing being proven. IU’s agency soon released a statement that IU was innocent and that they were going to work hard to make sure it’s proven.
The claims that are being brought up in relation to IU’s building and land purchase are not true. We are gathering information on various rumors and negative comments that are being spread online and evidence that is being sent by fans, and will be taking strict legal action against the spread of false rumors and defamation of character in relation to our artist.”
ㅡ Kakao M
The rumor was proven to be false, and many netizens ended up apologizing to IU for making quick judgments.
6. The members of T-ara
This one may not count, as the members of T-ara suffered greatly from this scandal. In 2012, it was rumored that member Hwayoung was bullied severely by her fellow members.
Netizens soon gathered “proof” of the bullying from past broadcasts. All this caused T-ara’s image to drop greatly, and all the members had to halt their activities due to the backlash.
Yet, there have been many reports in the past that Hwayoung was lying. T-ara’s former manager has even spoken about how the rumors were all false.
