8 Rising Korean Stars Whose Careers Crumbled Overnight

The South Korean entertainment industry, like any other, can be unpredictable.

Many rising stars have experienced swift rises to fame only to see their careers falter or crumble overnight due to various reasons, such as scandals or controversies.

Here are five Korean stars whose careers faced major setbacks:

1. Seungri (BIGBANG)

Seungri, a member of the famous K-pop group BIGBANG, was once a rising star in both the music industry and entertainment world. However, his career collapsed following his involvement in the “Burning Sun” scandal in 2019, which involved allegations of sexual misconduct, bribery, and links to a major prostitution ring. Seungri left BIGBANG and retired from the entertainment industry after the scandal, leading to a dramatic fall from grace.

2. Jung Joonyoung

Jung Joonyoung, a singer and TV personality, saw his career abruptly end in 2019 when he was implicated in a major sex tape scandal. He was accused of filming and distributing explicit videos of women without their consent. This caused public outrage, and he was sentenced to prison. His career as a singer, TV personality, and actor was effectively over, as he faced severe backlash and legal consequences.

3. Choi Jonghoon (FTISLAND)

Choi Jonghoon, a former member of the K-pop band FTISLAND, was caught up in the same scandal as Seungri and Jung Joonyoung. In 2019, he was implicated in a corruption and sex video scandal that resulted in his resignation from FTISLAND and from his entertainment career. The scandal severely damaged his reputation and he faced legal actions for his involvement.

4. Koo Hara

Koo Hara, a former member of the girl group KARA, had a promising solo career after the group disbanded. However, her career was overshadowed by a highly publicized legal battle with her ex-boyfriend, who had blackmailed her with intimate videos. This scandal not only affected her career but also her mental health. Tragically, Koo Hara passed away in 2019, and her death brought attention to the pressures faced by female idols.

5. Hani (EXID)

Hani, a member of the popular girl group EXID, once enjoyed a flourishing career, but her path took a dramatic turn after her relationship with an ex-boyfriend became public. While not as severe as other cases, Hani’s career took a hit due to negative public reaction, as there were discussions about her personal life being scrutinized excessively. Although her career wasn’t completely derailed, the incident affected her image and public perception.

6. Park Yoochun (JYJ)

Park Yoochun, a member of the popular group JYJ and former member of TVXQ, was once one of the biggest stars in K-pop. However, his career came to a halt in 2016 after he was accused of being involved in a series of sexual assault allegations. Although he was later cleared of some charges, his career was tarnished by the scandal, and he faced widespread public backlash. The incident led to him leaving the entertainment industry for a while, and his reputation never fully recovered.

7. Sulli (f(x))

Sulli, a former member of the girl group f(x), was a rising star with a unique and bold image that resonated with fans. However, her career took a downturn due to constant media scrutiny and cyberbullying, primarily related to her outspoken personality and her decision to break free from industry norms. Sulli became a target of vicious online harassment, which eventually took a toll on her mental health. Tragically, she passed away in 2019, and her death sparked conversations about the toxic environment faced by celebrities in South Korea.

8. Kim Yong Bum (Actor)

Kim Yong Bum, an up-and-coming actor known for his promising roles in dramas, saw his career collapse after he was caught up in a drug scandal. In 2019, he was arrested for using illegal substances, which led to immediate backlash from fans and the entertainment industry. This scandal led to his career ending prematurely, with public relations efforts unable to salvage his image.

These stars faced major controversies that greatly impacted their careers, highlighting how fragile celebrity status can be in the face of scandals or personal crises.