International fans are furious.
Despite the changing times, some standards for Korean celebrities seem to remain stagnant, one of which is their growing popularity after publicly dating or getting married. Actresses probably get the worst of it, although much less often than before.
But if Shin Hye Park‘s tearful Awards speech was an indicator that the phenomenon of actresses losing popularity after starting families of their own is far from an obsolete story. Despite currently being one of the best in the industry, she has clearly struggled greatly with this apprehension.
In December 2024, Park received the Director’s Award SBS Drama Awards 2024 for her stellar performance as Kim Bit Na in The judge of hell.
As the actress gave her heartfelt acceptance speech on stage, she cried as she thanked everyone who has supported her throughout her 21-year career in the industry. While expressing her gratitude for her fans, Park thanked them for their unwavering support despite her getting married and becoming a mother.
The actress also said she suffered from low self-esteem and thanked her actor husband Choi Tae Joon for raising her.
Park Shin Hye’s tearful gratitude towards fans has gone viral X (former Twitter), leaving fans and K-Drama enthusiasts everywhere enraged and heartbroken that she even had to thank her fans for not leaving her behind. Many were quick to point out the dubious nature of public acceptance among male and female celebrities, where marriage can cost the latter their careers, while the former can get away with even serious crimes.
The Korean actress has to deal with all this while those old criminal gremlin actors are still roaming freely without guilt! https://t.co/JFgW6bwug3
— luna (@chocoaelat) December 22, 2024
it’s infuriating that sex offenders can continue their careers, but God forbid a woman gets married and gives birth. knetz, they can never make me like you https://t.co/sKIRuerG5I
— tres⁷ • katsuki luvr (@joonslunar) December 22, 2024
It’s absurd that an actress still has to fear losing her appeal/popularity after getting married/having a child.
As if his value was not in his profession but rather in his body. https://t.co/2DBNCXw6QD
— C4 || Decarabia 🍒🦊 (@c4_dec4rabia) December 22, 2024
No celebrity should have to apologize for living their life and having a family. I shake my head at Korea. https://t.co/0bPD9vaofc
— Mel 🍉 (@peanutbuttercup) December 22, 2024
While Park’s speech may have sparked some heated discourse, it also brought to the surface the immense support he has from fans around the world. No matter what, her status as a K-Drama icon can never be erased!
