Bullying Scandals That Shook the K-Drama Industry
The South Korean entertainment industry is no stranger to controversy, but one of the most damaging scandals to emerge in recent years involves school bullying allegations against popular actors. As K-Dramas gain international recognition, the reputations of their stars have become more critical than ever. Allegations of past misconduct have led to actors being dropped from projects, episodes being reshot, and even entire productions being rewritten.
Among the most notable actors affected by such allegations is Ji Soo, the lead of River Where the Moon Rises, whose bullying scandal led to his removal from the drama and sparked discussions about accountability in the entertainment industry. This article explores the impact of school bullying allegations on K-Drama actors, the industry’s response, and how these controversies have shaped public perceptions of celebrities.
Ji Soo and the River Where the Moon Rises Scandal
The Allegations
In March 2021, Ji Soo, a rising actor known for his roles in Angry Mom, Strong Woman Do Bong Soon, and My First First Love, was accused of being a school bully during his middle school years. Multiple individuals came forward online, detailing incidents of physical violence, verbal abuse, and coercion. The accusations spread rapidly, with alleged victims sharing their experiences on social media and various online forums.
As the controversy escalated, Ji Soo issued a handwritten apology acknowledging his past wrongdoings and expressing remorse for his actions. However, despite his apology, public sentiment remained overwhelmingly negative, leading to severe consequences for his career.
Impact on River Where the Moon Rises
At the time the scandal broke, Ji Soo was playing the lead role in River Where the Moon Rises, a historical drama with a high production budget. Following public outrage, KBS, the broadcasting network, made the drastic decision to remove Ji Soo from the show entirely. This marked one of the most significant mid-series cast changes in K-Drama history.
To salvage the series, actor Na In Woo was brought in to replace Ji Soo. The production team faced the enormous challenge of reshooting previously aired episodes, leading to additional costs estimated at over 3 billion KRW (approximately 2.6 million USD). Despite these efforts, the drama suffered a decline in ratings, and the controversy overshadowed its success.
Other Actors Impacted by Bullying Allegations
Ji Soo was not the only actor affected by the wave of school bullying allegations. Several other high-profile actors faced similar accusations, leading to career setbacks and damaged reputations.
Park Hye-soo (Dear. M)
Park Hye-soo, who was set to star in Dear. M, also faced school bullying allegations. Unlike Ji Soo, she strongly denied the claims, with her agency threatening legal action against the accusers. Despite this, the controversy led to Dear. M being indefinitely postponed, and the actress’ career stalled as a result.
Kim Dong-hee (Extracurricular)
Kim Dong-hee, known for his roles in SKY Castle and Extracurricular, was accused of bullying during his school years. While his agency initially denied the allegations, later reports suggested that some of the claims might have had merit. Though he was not removed from any projects, his public image took a significant hit, and he has remained relatively inactive in the industry since the controversy emerged.
Jo Byung-gyu (The Uncanny Counter)
Jo Byung-gyu, the lead actor of The Uncanny Counter, was another actor embroiled in bullying accusations. His case was particularly contentious, as his agency aggressively pursued legal action against his accusers. While he maintained his innocence, the scandal led to a temporary decline in his career momentum, and he stepped back from the industry for some time.
Song Ha-yoon
In April 2024, actress Song Ha-yoon, known for her roles in dramas like Fight for My Way and Marry My Husband, faced allegations of past school bullying. An individual claiming to be a former classmate accused her of physical assault, stating that she had invited him to meet, then held him down and hit him for 90 minutes. The accuser mentioned attempting to contact Song’s agency twice before going public, expressing that an apology would have prevented the public disclosure. The agency reportedly responded that they couldn’t reach Song. Additionally, it was revealed that Song had been expelled from her high school, though this expulsion was unconnected to the bullying allegations.
In response, Song Ha-yoon’s agency, King Kong by Starship, denied the accusations, stating that after confirming with the actress, there was no connection to the informant and that the details were untrue. Despite the agency’s denial, more individuals claiming to be Song’s former classmates surfaced online, sharing accounts of alleged bullying during her school years. Some mentioned that she was forced to transfer schools after incidents of violence, while others recalled a transformation in her behavior during middle school. These claims, however, remain unverified.
The allegations against Song Ha-yoon highlight the ongoing issue of school bullying scandals within the K-Drama industry, reflecting the challenges celebrities face when past behaviors come under public scrutiny.
The Industry’s Response to Bullying Scandals
The surge of bullying allegations in the K-Drama industry forced entertainment agencies and production companies to take a more proactive approach in handling such controversies. Some key industry responses include:
1. Stricter Background Checks for Actors
Following multiple scandals, agencies have implemented stricter background checks for aspiring actors. Some production companies now conduct internal investigations into an actor’s past before casting them in major roles to prevent future controversies.
2. Swift Replacements and Damage Control
Networks have become quicker in replacing actors accused of wrongdoing. In some cases, companies have issued statements distancing themselves from the controversy to minimize financial losses and avoid public backlash.
3. Legal Action Against False Accusations
While some accusations have led to confirmed scandals, others have been proven false. Agencies are now more aggressive in taking legal action against individuals who spread unverified rumors about their artists. This has resulted in lawsuits against online commenters and accusers making baseless claims.
The Public’s Reaction and Changing Attitudes
The rise of bullying scandals has sparked intense debates within South Korea and among international K-Drama fans.
1. A Call for Accountability
Many viewers believe that actors accused of school bullying should be held accountable for their past actions, especially if they have never publicly apologized or shown remorse. The perception is that celebrities, who hold influence over younger audiences, should serve as positive role models.
2. Debate Over Redemption and Second Chances
While some fans argue that actors with past bullying allegations should be permanently removed from the industry, others believe in second chances, especially if the accused individuals have shown genuine remorse and made efforts to atone for their past mistakes. The debate over whether someone can truly reform continues to be a hot topic.
3. The Impact of Cancel Culture
The K-Drama industry has increasingly seen the effects of “cancel culture,” where public figures are swiftly punished for past actions, regardless of when they occurred. Some believe that the current trend of exposing celebrities’ past wrongdoings can be overly harsh, while others see it as a necessary step toward accountability.
Conclusion: A New Era of Accountability in K-Drama
Bullying scandals have left a lasting impact on the K-Drama industry, reshaping how agencies, networks, and fans view the personal histories of celebrities.
