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K-pop has taken the world by storm for various reasons. Being a fan of a K-pop group or soloist can get one roped into a world of catchy music, exciting choreography, attractive idols, innovative fashion statements, an ardent fanbase, cultural diversity, socially-focused narratives, economic value, unique concepts, and other factors.
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However, behind the glamour and worldwide popularity of the K-pop industry lies a dark side. K-pop idols are often considered role models, and getting involved in controversies shocks domestic and international followers of the music genre.
Some of these allegations range from s*xual crimes, alleged drug consumption, and trafficking to online bullying and the dissemination of fabricated information about K-pop idols throughout the internet. Listed below are K-pop idols involved in some of the most shocking controversies in the industry.
5 Most shocking K-pop idol controversies: Jung Joon-young, Seungri, and others
1) Jung Joon-young KakaoTalk chatrooms
In March 2019, Jung Joon-young officially retired from the South Korean entertainment industry after allegations of s*x crimes came to light.
According to The Korea Times, he was found guilty of allegations of gang r*ping drunk women, filming them without their permission, and subsequently sharing the videos and photos in a chatroom that was dubbed 'Jung Joon-young Kakao Talk chatrooms.' The crimes were revealed as part of the Burning Sun Scandal.
The former K-pop idol was imprisoned for six years on November 29, 2019. However, the punishment was decreased to five years by the Seoul High Court in 2020. The idol was released from the prison on March 19, 2024.
2) GLAM's Dahee's blackmailing scandal
The renowned and prominent Korean actor Lee Byung-hun accused GLAM's Dahee and model Lee Ji-yeon of blackmailing him with a video. The Korea Herald reported that the video allegedly contained a suggestive conversation between the actor and the two girls, who were identified and charged with a ₩5 billion fine.
However, the consequences of Dahee's actions led to the disbandment of GLAM in 2015. Additionally, the female artist was given a two-year suspended sentence instead of a 1-year prison sentence on March 26, 2015.
3) 2NE1's Park Bom drug-smuggling allegations
In 2014, 2NE1's Park Bom was accused of smuggling more than 80 Adderall pills via foreign mail. However, the female artist's agency, YG Entertainment, refuted the claims. They stated that it was a doctor's recommendation for the treatment of Park Bom's depression and anxiety.
Adderall pills are banned in South Korea, and the female idol had to order the drug from the United States. In an interview with the hosts on the South Korean investigative program PD Notebook on April 26, 2018, the female idol talked about the situation and stated, as translated by Pop Crush:
"I was labeled a drug smuggler when I brought in Adderall. In the United States, it's a common medication used to treat disorders like the one I have."
She further elaborated:
"It's something that happened partially due to my ignorance during the process of bringing it, but it's frustrating when people say the medication is 100% amphetamines. They call it drugs, but it's something I need to take to treat my disorder."
4) BIGBANG's Seungri's association with The Burning Scandal
A former member of BIGBANG, Seungri had to leave the group due to his association with The Burning Sun nightclub on March 11, 2019. He served as the nightclub's creative director/shareholder and occasional DJ. The former idol was accused of drug consumption, providing s*xual favors to the investors, and other allegations. However, the male artist later denied the accusations.
Subsequently, the police forwarded Seungri's case to the prosecution on seven charges, including procuring sex service, prostitution mediation, hiring a legal representative, embezzlement of the Burning Sun club revenues, attempt at destruction of evidence, embezzlement of business funds, distribution of illegally-filmed content via social platforms, and violation of the Food Sanitation Act.
The military court declared Seungri guilty on all charges, presenting him with a three-year imprisonment and a fine of $970,000 on August 12, 2021. The sentence was later reduced to 18 months on January 27, 2022, based on his admission of guilt.
The former BIGBANG member was released from the prison on February 9, 2023.
5) Sulli's death
On October 13 or 14, 2019, the actress, singer, and former f(x) member Sulli died by suicide. Sulli's brother discovered her hanging on the second floor of her house in Seongnam, Seoul.
It was reported by the media outlets that Sulli took the drastic step due to depression. Her death was considered controversial as idols were expected to be conservative, and Sulli often spoke about her mental health problems, reportedly stemming from the cyberbullying and dissemination of hate and malicious comments about her on the internet.
The K-pop idol's funeral was held privately by friends and family, and a four-day private funeral and mourning ceremony on October 17, 2024, at a Seoul hospital.
Aside from those mentioned, there are several other scandals or controversies involving K-pop idols.
