Korean Fans Vote: The Most Career-Damaging Scandals for K-Celebrities

It’s true; the Korean entertainment business is ruthless. Celebrities—whether idols, actors, comedians, or even content creators—are held to high standards, sometimes much higher than non-celebrities. For most, one scandal and it’s over. From gambling to bullying, drug abuse to prostitution, countless scandals have shattered careers.

But which is the worst of them all? In a viral theqoo post, Korean fans discussed what might be “the most unforgivable scandal” that would completely turn them away.

The post had ten to choose from: (1)Gambling, (2) bullying, (3) drunk driving, (4) drugs,  (5) prostitution, (6) inappropriate online activities (like following problematic YouTubers or watching questionable streamers), (7) tax evasion or similar financial crimes, (8) all of the above, (9) none of the above, and even (10) “don’t know, don’t care.”

Close to a thousand Korean netizens commented—with most noting that if there are “victims” involved, it’s difficult to overlook:

• “(8) All of the above.”
• “I can’t look past any of them, but (2) bullying and (5) prostitution are the worst.”
• “(8) All of the above.”
• “If there are victims involved, it’s unforgivable.”
• “(8) All of the above… which is why I’ve kind of stopped watching K-Dramas and K-Movies in general.”

• “(10) Don’t know, don’t care. TBH, if I end up finding about a scandal, then… Oh, well. But I don’t really look into things. And I don’t really want to call anyone out either.”
• “Whatever puts them on the news.”
• “It’s (8) all of the above, but (5) prostitution is the absolute worst.”
• “All of them are hard to look past, but (2) bullying, (5) prostitution, and (6) inappropriate online activities are particularly hard.”
• “(3) Drunk driving…”
• “(8) All of the above, with extra emphasis on (5) prostitution.”

• “I hate them all, but I hate (5) prostitution with a passion.”
• “(8) All of the above. After I stopped stanning my bias because of a scandal… I started looking for clean celebrities to support. Ended up not having any favorites.”
• “(8) All of the above for me. I’m surprised some of you can look past any of these.”
• “(2) Bullying, (5) prostitution, and (6) inappropriate online activities.”
• “I’m against all of them, but I do think that (2) bullying is the worst because this leaves no hope. Bullies were born evil, IMO.”