To celebrate its 21st anniversary, Korean entertainment channel JoyNews24 conducted its annual internal survey, gathering responses from 110 industry professionals, including producers, journalists and agency officials.
Each participant was asked to nominate the figures who have had the most negative impact on the industry in 2025, whether through crime, scandal or misconduct. The resulting list of “worst people of the year” reveals a year marked by controversy, legal battles and public outrage.
7. Seungri and Yoon Ji-on: Old scandals resurface
Bottom of the list, but still worth mentioning Seungri and actor Yoon Ji-on, each of whom received two votes.
While Seungri he has already served his sentence for the Scorching sun scandal, its recent activities in Cambodia have reignited public criticism and reminded the industry of one of its darkest chapters.
Meanwhile, Yoon Ji-on’s arrest for drunk driving in September abruptly ended her ascendant career, demonstrating how one misstep can quickly damage years of hard-earned reputation.
6. movie: From visionary to controversial figure
Once acclaimed as the creative genius behind it New Jeansformer CEO of ADOR movie she found herself on the list with three votes.
Her ongoing legal dispute with HYBE and the founding of her new agency have kept her at the center of heated debates over corporate power and creative control in K-pop, transforming her from a respected executive into one of the industry’s most controversial personalities.
5. Baek Jong-won: Business under scrutiny
Celebrity chef and entrepreneur Baek Jong-won also made the list, receiving four votes. His company, TheBorn Korea, has been investigated for mislabeling food products and violating health regulations, tarnishing the image of a man once considered a symbol of reliability in Korean cuisine.
4. Kim Se-ui and Jung Woo-sung: Cross-industry scandals
In a rare pairing of media and acting scandals, Kim Se-ui – founder of the controversial GaroSero Institute YouTube channel – and veteran actor Jung Woo-sung both received five votes.
Kim Se-ui faced backlash for spreading unverified political claims, while Jung Woo-sung was accused of fathering a child out of wedlock with model Moon Ga-bi, leading to widespread public criticism and disappointment among fans.
3. Taeil (Former NCT member): A fall from grace
Former NCT member Taeil he placed third with seven votes after being sentenced to three and a half years in prison for rape. His case, now under appeal, has rocked the K-pop world, raising concerns about liability and image management within idol culture.
2. Bang Bang: Power and controversy
President of HYBE Hyuk Bangone of K-pop’s most influential figures, came second with eight votes.
Currently under investigation for alleged financial fraud, the inclusion of the powerful executive signals a growing willingness within the industry to hold even the most powerful figures accountable – a change from the silence that once surrounded corporate misconduct.
1. Kim Soo-hyun AND Lee Jin-ho: The most controversial data of the year
Tied with 28 votes each, actor Kim Soo-hyun and comical Lee Jin-ho they were named the “worst people of the year”.
Kim Soo-hyunHis once pristine image was shattered by rumors linking him to the late actress Kim Sae-ron. He was accused of having an inappropriate relationship with her when she was a minor and allegedly contributing to her tragic downfall — statements that sparked a huge public reaction.
Comic Lee Jin-homeanwhile, he faced numerous scandals, including a gambling investigation and a drunken driving arrest. Reports suggesting that his actions indirectly led to the death of his girlfriend have only intensified public outrage, cementing his position at the top of this year’s list.
Many other names were mentioned by voters:
- Ju Haknyeon — left THE BOYZ after a dating controversy.
- Hwang Jung-eum — accused of embezzling billions of won and investing in cryptocurrencies.
- Seo Hye-jin — producer of Under fifteen years old (MBN), criticized for the sexualization of minors in its program.
This year’s JoyNews24 survey reflects a growing sentiment within the industry: no one is untouchable. As the Korean entertainment industry continues to expand globally, public expectations regarding ethics, integrity and responsibility have increased significantly. 2025 has made it clear: fame offers no shield against consequences.
Sources: Koreaboo
