In 2024, as K-Pop, K-Dramas, K-Movies and K-Food flourished, the entertainment industry faced major scandals involving drunk driving, fatal accidents, legal disputes, drug abuse, infidelity and sexual crimes.
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Joy News 24 surveyed 200 industry insiders, including entertainment employees and media journalists, asking: “Who was the worst figure in the entertainment industry in 2024?” The survey took place from September 30 to October 8, 2024.
6. Juice Seyeon and Seungri
Streamers Juice Seyeon and disgraced idol Seungri placed sixth with 2 votes each. Juice Seyeon gained interest after being spotted with HYBE president Bang Si Hyuk in California, while Seungri remained in the spotlight following the release of the BBC documentary “Burning Sun”, particularly after a sighting at a club Bali in August 2024 which angered fans.
5. Jung Joon-young and Yoo Ah In
Convicted rapist Jung Joon-young received 7 votes, tied for fifth place with actor Yoo Ah In, whose drug scandal shocked Korea. Released from prison in March 2024, Jung Joon-young was criticized again after he was spotted in Lyon, France, attempting to open a restaurant. Yoo Ah In was sentenced to a year in prison for propofol abuse, leading to major setbacks for K-dramas and K-movies.
4. Kang Kyung-joon
Actor Kang Kyung-joon ranked fourth with 8 votes, infamous for his relationship with a lover. His scandal erupted in January 2024 with the revelation of cheating texts, and he later confessed to infidelity in court. Despite this, his wife, actress Jang Shin Young, announced that she would not divorce him, later appearing on a TV show to discuss her forgiveness.
3. Min Hee-jin
Former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin secured third place with 26 votes. Industry insiders have expressed weariness over the ongoing legal battles between her and HYBE, which began in April. As of November 2024, Min Hee-jin has been reappointed as ADOR’s internal director, although many believe her role is largely symbolic.
2. Bang Si-hyuk
HYBE President Bang Si-hyuk was named the second worst character with 37 votes, following negative revelations about the company’s internal practices and content.
1. Kim Ho-joong
The dishonor of being the worst entertainment figure in 2024 went to singer Kim Ho-joong, who received 50% of the votes. His manager’s drunk driving incident resulted in a significant investigation, with Kim Ho-joong eventually admitting that he was driving while his manager attempted to cover it up. As of September 30, prosecutors had asked for a sentence of 3 years and 6 months. During his final statement, Kim Ho-joong expressed regret and pledged to “sober up and live well.” Industry insiders were appalled by his handling of the DUI, which departed from the common practice of taking responsibility and apologizing.
Source: krB
