A recent survey conducted by JoyNews24 has unveiled the contentious figures in the South Korean entertainment industry for 2024, with a notable ranking of personalities embroiled in various controversies. The survey, which ran from September 30 to October 8, 2024, saw participation from 200 industry experts who evaluated the “worst”figures of the year based on their public scandals.
Top Controversial Figures of 2024
Claiming the top spot in the survey was Trot singer Kim Ho-joong, who faced serious allegations stemming from a hit-and-run DUI incident in May 2024. Following him were significant industry names, including Bang Si-hyuk, the chairman of HYBE, and Min Hee-jin, the former CEO of ADOR, who were embroiled in a high-profile ‘company takeover’ dispute.
Survey Results Breakdown
Kim Ho-joong garnered 100 votes, dominating the list, while Bang Si-hyuk and Min Hee-jin received 37 and 26 votes respectively for their ongoing feud. In fourth place, actor Kang Kyung-joon drew 8 votes due to an infidelity lawsuit, whereas Jung Joon-young, previously associated with the notorious Burning Sun scandal, received 7 votes, placing him fifth.
Meanwhile, actor Yoo Ah-in, known for his role in Hell Bound, tied with Jung Joon-young in the fifth position, attracting attention due to his ongoing drug abuse charges. The sixth position was shared by BJ Gwajeok Seyeon—who received 2 votes for a controversy involving Bang Si-hyuk—and former BIGBANG member Seungri, notorious for his involvement in the Burning Sun sex trafficking scandal.
In a surprising development, BTS member SUGA was also ranked seventh following his electric scooter DUI incident, tying with actress Han So-hee, who faced public scrutiny due to a dating scandal involving actor Ryu Jun-yeol.
Recent Scandals Projecting Dark Shadows
Among the most alarming revelations of 2024 was a sexual assault accusation against former NCT member Moon Taeil in July, leading to his removal from the group and contract termination by SM Entertainment. By October, he was officially charged with special quasi-rape.
Another scandal implicated SUGA, who faced legal consequences for riding an electric scooter under the influence on August 6, 2024. His $11,500 fine and temporary license suspension sparked widespread backlash, especially after a major network aired a misleading CCTV clip, casting him in a negative light.
Moreover, actress Han So-hee found herself at the center of controversy after being spotted on vacation with Ryu Jun-yeol, which resulted in an online feud with his ex-girlfriend, further fanning the flames of public interest.
Industry Reactions and Consequences
The entertainment community faced significant repercussions from these controversies. Notably, actor Yoo Ah-in received a one-year prison sentence on September 3, 2024, for violating drug laws, which further illustrated the ongoing issues surrounding substance abuse and legal accountability in the industry.
As the industry continues navigating these scandals, it raises critical questions about ethics, accountability, and the impact of celebrity culture on public perception.
For more comprehensive details on these findings and the current landscape of South Korea’s entertainment industry, you can follow the source linked below.
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