Celebrity scandals reignite debate over Korea’s drinking culture

Park Na-rae, left, and Nam Tae-hyun / Xportsnews

Alcohol-related controversies are once again shaking South Korea’s entertainment industry, with allegations ranging from workplace misconduct to repeat drunk driving cases renewing public scrutiny of a long-criticized celebrity drinking culture.

The latest spark came from JTBC’s investigative program, “Scandal Supervisor,” which aired on Wednesday and revisited allegations involving comedian and television host Park Na-rae. According to the broadcast, former managers who met Park recently to discuss a possible settlement over alleged mistreatment claimed she appeared intoxicated during the meeting.

The claims quickly ignited backlash online. Netizens flooded social media with reactions such as “She should cut back on drinking regardless of the controversy,” “This is beyond disappointment — it’s worrying,” and “Drinking even in this situation?”

Park Na-rae / Xportsnews

Earlier reporting by Dispatch on Dec. 4 said former managers accused Park of repeatedly ordering them to run errands for drinking snacks, clean up after private parties and attend drinking sessions against their will. The allegations drew particular attention because Park has long cultivated a heavy drinking persona through entertainment content, most notably her self-branded “Narae Bar,” a recurring theme across variety shows and online platforms.

Past remarks from Park have also resurfaced. During an appearance on MBC talk show “Radio Star,” she recalled senior entertainer Yoo Jae-suk advising her, saying, “You’re doing well right now, but drinking can lead to accidents and interfere with broadcasting, so I wish you’d quit drinking.” As anecdotes about Park’s drinking habits shared by fellow entertainers circulate again, critics say the controversy highlights deeper issues tied to excessive drinking norms in the industry.

Nam Tae-hyun / Xportsnews

The debate extends beyond Park’s case. Alcohol-related incidents involving celebrities — from misconduct to criminal offenses — have repeatedly drawn public criticism, fueling calls for accountability and cultural change.

On Thursday morning, Seoul Western District Court held its first hearing for singer Nam Tae-hyun, who is charged with violating traffic laws related to drunk driving. Prosecutors said Nam crashed into a median barrier while attempting to overtake another vehicle on the Gangbyeonbuk-ro expressway heading toward Ilsan at around 4:10 a.m. on April 27. No injuries were reported.

The case marks another chapter in Nam’s troubled history. In March 2023, while under investigation for drug-related charges, he caused a traffic accident while intoxicated and later received a summary fine of 6 million won ($4,400).

As similar incidents continue to surface, critics say the entertainment industry must confront not only individual misconduct but also the permissive drinking culture that enables repeated lapses — a conversation that shows no sign of fading.

This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.