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| U-Know Yunho, a member of TVXQ! / Yonhap |
By Pyo Kyung-min
U-Know Yunho of TVXQ! announced his third mini-album "Reality Show" on Aug. 7, sparking discussions over the appropriateness of public figures resuming their careers after past wrongdoings. In March 2021, Yunho faced controversy for violating social-distancing regulations at an illicit escort bar, staying past the 10 p.m. curfew.
Rapper Microdot has also made a comeback. He released two tracks, "Sensation" and "Mask On," on July 27, marking his first new release since "My Story" in 2021. The rapper faced criticism in 2018 over his parents' involvement in a debt scandal. Despite promising to address his parents' extortion allegation in the 1990s, Microdot distanced himself from the public, drawing an intense backlash.
Other figures like former (G)I-DLE member Soojin and ex-Le Sserafim member Kim Garam are under scrutiny due to school violence allegations. Soojin, who left her group following violence claims in 2021, recently engaged with fans on Instagram. Kim, implicated in middle school violence, left Le Sserafim shortly after her "Fearless" debut.
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| Former Le Sserafim member Kim Garam / Courtesy of HYBE |
The return of public figures previously embroiled in controversies has divided public sentiment. While many believe that expelling Kim from the group was the right response, devoted fans miss her presence as an idol. One user commented on Kim's video uploaded on TikTok, "I miss Garam, she deserves so much better, and didn't deserve to leave the group ... She is innocent and I don't know why she had to leave for what she didn't do."
Lee Jae-hee, a university student and once a Soojin supporter, believes that the public scrutiny of celebrities can be excessive. "Controversies often begin with anonymous online posts. Due to idols' reliance on their public image, even minor, unverified claims can end their careers. These allegations are hard to validate," he explained.
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| Former (G)I-DLE member Soojin / Courtesy of Cube Entertainment |
Regarding B.I., former iKON member, Lee noted, "He undeniably broke the law with drug use, so his departure from iKON makes sense. But he's since returned as a solo artist, even holding a concert. In cases like Soojin's, without concrete evidence, public opinion often becomes the final judge. This is why I find her removal from (G)I-DLE particularly regrettable."
Pop culture critic Ha Jae-geun observes that the Korean entertainment industry struggles with the notion of second chances. "Korea's Confucian background places significant emphasis on moral character, leading to high standards for public figures," Ha told The Korea Times. He added, "In Korea, celebrities are seen as influential figures, so the idea of redemption for those with tainted reputations is rarely entertained."
Discussing the implications of barring their return, Ha said, "Celebrities wield considerable influence on public sentiment. Consequently, if they face substantial setbacks due to their mistakes, the public might internalize the lesson, contributing to heightened awareness."
He added, "While other nations afford celebrities more leeway, Korea's stricter standards raise questions of potential bias against our own stars. The strain of these situations can severely impact their mental health."
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