Is South Korea's 'cancel culture' too strict?
What's the story
In a shocking turn of events, South Korea's entertainment industry has been rocked by a series of scandals involving three high-profile celebrities. Comedians Park Na-rae and Cho Sae-ho, and veteran actor Cho Jin-woong are facing allegations ranging from workplace abuse to past criminal behavior. These controversies have sparked a renewed debate over the standards public figures in South Korea are held to, particularly within the entertainment sector.
Allegations against Park
Park accused of verbal and physical abuse
The first controversy erupted when two former managers of Park, one of Korea's most popular female comedians, filed criminal complaints against her. They alleged that she verbally abused and physically assaulted them, forcing them to run personal errands. The 40-year-old has denied these allegations and counter-sued the ex-managers for blackmail. Separately, she is being investigated for illegally receiving intravenous (IV) drips at home, a violation of local medical law. Park has now halted all broadcast activities.
Controversy surrounding Cho
Cho's alleged ties to gang member spark backlash
The second controversy involves Cho, a 43-year-old comedian. Rumors have emerged that he is friends with a notorious local gang member and has been paid to promote the latter's business. This revelation led to public outcry, with social media users demanding his removal from popular variety shows You Quiz on the Block and Two Days and One Night. In response, his agency announced that he would leave these shows but denied any involvement in the gang's business activities.
Controversy over Jin-woong's past
Jin-woong's past criminal behavior sparks heated debate
The third controversy involves veteran actor Jin-woong, who announced his retirement from acting after a report revealed that he had been sent to a juvenile detention center in the 1990s for allegations of robbery and sexual assault. His agency confirmed his wrongdoing but denied any allegations of sexual assault. Broadcasters have since rushed to erase him from their platforms, with one documentary series he narrated being re-recorded without his voice. His hit show Signal's second season might not come.
Cancel culture debate
Public debate over 'cancel culture' and celebrity accountability
The recent scandals have ignited a heated debate over how much public figures should be held accountable for their past actions. Some social media users have questioned why Jin-woong needs to retire, arguing that a person's past shouldn't define them decades later. Others, however, believe that seeing him on screen could trigger trauma for his victims. Culture critic Kim Sung-soo told the BBC that South Korean audiences want to correct behavior they deem unacceptable by making celebrities disappear from screens.
Dating ban
Even dating someone can trigger huge backlash
Apart from these law-related controversies, Korea has seen wide protests against K-pop stars dating or marrying anyone. EXO member Chen got huge backlash after announcing marriage plans with a non-celebrity, and protest trucks were sent to his then-agency, SM Entertainment. More recently, BTS's Jungkook has been engulfed in dating rumors with Aespa member Winter, sparking a massive row. Dating scrutiny or school-time bullying allegations sometimes force rising stars to apologize and take hiatus, and other times, to quit the industry.