In 2024, the K-pop industry has witnessed numerous impressive activities from idols, from new songs to concert tours. But there was no shortage of controversies and unpleasant incidents. Many stars who committed crimes or caused public outrage with their inappropriate behavior are still the talk of the town.
â– Kim Ho-joong
Singer Kim Ho-joong was booked without detention in May for running away after colliding with a taxi while crossing the center line on a road in Apgujeong, Gangnam, Seoul. On November 13 he was tried and sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in prison.
The fact that it was an act of drunk driving was already unforgivable, Kim Ho-joong continued to face harsh criticism from the public due to his lies to cover up the case. Soon after causing the incident, he asked his manager to make a false statement. Furthermore, the CEO and director of his agency also ordered the removal of the black box memory card that recorded the accident scene. Even after the manager’s false statement was discovered, Kim Ho-joong still denied his accusations and continued to go on stage to perform at scheduled concerts.
As a result, Kim Ho-joong was arrested. This was a rare case of a celebrity jailed for drunk driving. Kim Ho-joong’s side appealed but the prosecution, which initially asked for 3 years and 6 months imprisonment, also appealed. The court, therefore, extended Kim Ho-joong’s detention until February.
â– Suga from BTS
BTS’ Suga shocked audiences when he was booked for allegedly driving a scooter under the influence of alcohol in August. After attending a drinking party, he returned home using an electric scooter but was caught by police who helped him up when he fell on the pavement. Suga’s blood alcohol concentration level at the time was 0.2227 percent, enough for his license to be revoked. The fact that this happened during Suga’s military service period angered the public even more.
Even after giving explanations and apologies, Suga continued to disappoint fans and the public due to his statements that downplayed the seriousness of the incident. While other members faithfully serve in the military, Suga caused a stir with an unfortunate incident. Therefore, many fans even protested to demand his withdrawal from BTS.
Suga participated in the police investigation and the case ended with a fine of 15 million won.
â– Lim Young-woong
Famous was intensely criticized by the public due to his remark on President Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment. Amid heated public outrage and protest against President Yoon Suk-yeol following his martial law order, Lim Young-woong uploaded a birthday message for his dog on December 7. In response to public criticism, the singer commented, “What? I’m a politician? Why should I speak?”
While some fans defended him, explaining that the content of his message and his tone were not rude, the majority of the public criticized Lim Young-woong for his ignorance of the political situation as a Korean and lack of basic understanding . Furthermore, Lim Young-woong’s agency’s silence regarding the matter has even added fuel to the fire.
â– Former RIIZE member Seunghan
Former RIIZE member Seunghan has stopped activities after controversies erupted over his personal life before his debut. The incident erupted when leaked photos revealed Seunghan’s skinship moments with his girlfriend during his internship days and smoking when he was still a minor. Despite spending 10 months reflecting on himself, he failed to regain the trust of fans.
Wizards Production, SM’s production center responsible for RIIZE, announced Seunghan’s return with RIIZE on October 11, but faced strong backlash from fans. In particular, the RIIZE fandom sent numerous protest wreaths to the SM building demanding Seunghan’s retirement. Ultimately, Wizards Production rescinded its statement and announced Seunghan’s intention to leave the group, making RIIZE a six-member group.
In Seunghan’s case, SM then revealed that he would debut as a solo artist in the second half of next year. The focus is whether Seunghan will be able to return to activities amid negative public opinions.
â– Former member of NCT Taeil
Soon after former NCT member Taeil was reported to the police for sexual allegations, SM kicked him out of the group. In August, Taeil was accused of sexually assaulting two acquaintances and an intoxicated woman in June. Following the police investigation, SM quickly announced Taeil’s withdrawal from NCT.
Negative public opinion intensified in October, when it was discovered that Taeil was being investigated for special quasi-rape allegations, similar to those in the case of Jung Joon-young and Choi Jong-hoon, and for having activated a broadcast live after being booked. by the police. In response, SM announced the termination of the contract with Taeil.
Taeil’s crime caused a great shock to K-pop fans around the world, and the former male idol was prosecuted without detention in September.
