Netizens have been abuzz lately after an article regarding the death of famous celebrity Lee Sun Kyun gained traction online.
The article by The Hollywood Reporter titled Fame and Shame: The Deadly Toll of Celebrity in South Korea highlighted the many accomplishments and success of Lee Sun Kyun being met with a tragic end. From being a beloved actor by the public to meeting his own demise by the hands of the fans who adored him, the article highlighted the possible despair and impossible standards Korean celebrities face.
Lee Sun Kyun, who rose to global fan after starring in Director Bong Joon Ho’s hit movie Parasite was found dead in his car on December 27th 2023 after becoming an issue of scandal, ridicule and disgrace after word got out of his time partying in adult entertainment clubs and even abusing ketamine and marijuana– a drug that is legal in most western countries but highly condemned and problematic in Asian countries.
The article further highlighted Lee’s initial downfall shocking global audiences. It also discussed Yoon Suk Yeol, the impeached president of Korea, and his many policies that started a rise in anti-drug enforcers and vigilance for drug abuse crimes.
Usage of marijuana is met with a minimum of five years in prison with other drugs facing lengthier sentences. Yoon urged police to pursue high-profile drug cases in order to make a statement. Many wonder if Lee Sun Kyun fell victim to the circumstances.
The report concluded with an impactful statement, “The Korean public holds celebrities to a higher moral standard than normal people, and the media is very aggressive when it comes to reporting on scandals.” As Director Bong Joon Ho stated at the Academy Awards ceremony, where he dressed in black and mourned Lee, “We share the same heart that this should never happen again,” and global fans feel the same.
Celebrities, such as K-Pop idols and K-Drama actors, are held powerless against the press. They are at the mercy of the public, and scrutiny or backlash can ultimately end one’s career, future opportunities, or even their lives in extreme circumstances.
The Kim Soo Hyun scandal is a fine example of this and Son Heung Min’s current blackmail case also raises concern. A 2022 survey by polling company Hankook Research found that 80% of South Koreans believe celebrities caught using drugs should suffer greater social and economic consequences than citizens.
Netizens reacted with bewilderment and global fans felt Korea’s harsh limitations would never work in the west, specifically America. However, other fans believe that is the “risk and responsibility of becoming an idol,” and feel that people in the spotlight should behave differently.
What do you think of this thought-provoking debate? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
