The portal disabled entertainment news comments in 2020 to curb abuse, and while entertainment agencies are actively pursuing legal action, finding a lasting solution remains challenging. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Feb. 19 (Korea Bizwire) — The recent passing of 25-year-old actress Kim Sae-ron has reignited concerns over cyber harassment and sensationalist media coverage, as South Korea grapples with repeated tragedies involving public figures subjected to relentless online attacks.
While public mourning often leads to temporary calls for self-reflection, history suggests the cycle of online abuse and media scrutiny inevitably resumes. Despite efforts to curb malicious comments—including the removal of comment sections on entertainment news in 2020—social media and online forums remain breeding grounds for harassment.
A Recurring Pattern of Cyberbullying in the Entertainment Industry
Kim, who faced intense public criticism following a DUI incident in 2022, had effectively withdrawn from the industry for three years. She was removed from Netflix’s Bloodhounds and attempted a stage comeback, only to be met with continued hostility. Even her efforts to support herself by working at a café became fodder for online ridicule.
Her case echoes that of actor Lee Sun-kyun, who died in late 2024 after facing a public trial over alleged drug use. His case was widely covered by traditional media and exploited by so-called cyber wreckers—sensationalist YouTube channels that amplified rumors about his private life.
Past cases, including the 2019 deaths of singers Sulli and Goo Hara, further illustrate the damaging effects of cyberbullying. Both endured extreme scrutiny and harassment, with Sulli subjected to sexist abuse and Goo Hara targeted during a high-profile legal battle with an ex-boyfriend.
Kim Sae-ron worked part-time at a café to make a living but reportedly struggled with deep despair as she continued to face public hostility. (Image courtesy of Kakao TV)
Shifting from News Portals to Social Media Harassment
In response to growing public concern, South Korea’s largest online portals, Naver and Daum, disabled comments on entertainment news in 2020. However, the abuse simply migrated to social media platforms and online communities.
Professor Kwak Keum-joo of Seoul National University explains, “For some users, celebrities serve as outlets for their frustrations. They find solidarity in collective outrage, using anonymous spaces to vent emotions.” She calls for stricter measures, such as revealing the identities of malicious commenters and banning repeat offenders.
Experts also highlight how mainstream media fuels the problem. Professor Park Young-hum of Sungshin Women’s University argues that online journalism, driven by clicks, encourages excessive scrutiny of celebrities while treating politicians with relative leniency. “Small media outlets capitalize on outrage for views, and even legacy media now follow suit, contributing to the escalation of hostility,” he said.
Celebrities build their lives on image, reputation, and self-esteem. However, when public shaming investigations and sensationalized media coverage escalate, even the most prominent figures can be left defenseless. Following the death of renowned actor Lee Sun-kyun, both the media and law enforcement faced criticism for their role in the situation. The image shows the late actor Lee Sun-kyun, who died in late 2024 after facing a public trial over alleged drug use. (Image courtesy of CJ Entertainment)
Entertainment Agencies Strike Back with Legal Action
The entertainment industry, once passive in dealing with online harassment, has begun taking a hardline stance. Major agencies like HYBE, which represents BTS and SEVENTEEN, have been actively filing lawsuits against individuals spreading defamatory content.
The company has publicized legal updates through its fan community platform, Weverse, detailing penalties for offenders, including fines of up to KRW 5 million ($3,450).
SM Entertainment, home to NCT and aespa, launched an online reporting system called KWANGYA 119 in 2024 to combat malicious content. Legal action has expanded beyond social media comments to include cyber wreckers.
A notable case involved Starship Entertainment, which sued the operator of Taldeok Sooyongso, a YouTube channel that spread false rumors about IVE’s Jang Wonyoung. The lawsuit resulted in damages paid to multiple artists, including BTS members V and Jungkook.
An industry insider noted, “Previously, legal action was costly, leading agencies to abandon lawsuits midway. But with more cases of celebrities suffering severe anxiety or halting activities due to cyber harassment, the approach has shifted. Even staff members who read malicious comments report emotional distress—imagine how devastating it must be for the artists themselves.”
As online abuse continues to impact the mental health of public figures, industry leaders and legal experts are calling for stronger regulations and cultural shifts to break the cycle of cyber harassment.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
