Truthfully, 2025 has been a rollercoaster of hot scandals by far. From Kim Soo Hyun’s jaw-dropping underage relationship allegations with the late actress Kim Sae Ron to the unexpected sex scandals involving NCT Taeil and THEBOYZ Haknyeon, everything felt like a whirlwind.
If you missed out on some of the interesting news earlier this year, now is your chance to play catch-up or to see if you’re truly an insider and up-to-date with all the latest news. Take a moment to scroll through the earlier half of 2025’s highlights so far.
Lee Si Young’s Divorce
After eight years of marriage, Lee Si Young and her husband have parted ways. The well-known actress and her husband, a wealthy businessman, had maintained a private relationship for eight years, but Lee Si Young shocked many when she came forward that she had filed for divorce.
Lee Si Young’s agency stated, “Both parties have mutually agreed to proceed with the divorce amicably, and we kindly ask for your understanding that we cannot respond to further inquiries.”
Fan’s Disappointment in Squid Game Season 3
After years of waiting, Squid Game released Season 2 early this year with Season 3 released at the end of June. International fans enjoyed Season 2, but it received mixed reviews from Korea, citing they couldn’t understand the uprising during the games and the confusing storyline. International viewers were more disappointed in the lack of episodes and the division of Season 3,
However, Season 2 pulled in high ratings, broke records, and introduced a very diverse cast and series of memorable games. It showcased a look into the inner mechanisms of the games and characters with unique background stories, making it an outstanding watch compared to Season 3. It matched season one’s intense energy perfectly and is surprising to hear it is still deemed a bad season.
>> ‘Squid Game 3’ Review: Did That Character Really Have to Die? + Finale Left Fans Feeling Lost
Kim Sae Ron’s Death
The tragic and unexpected death of Kim Sae Ron shook the nation and became an international scandal as well. Committing suicide on the day of Kim Soo Hyun’s birthday, Kim Sae Ron left cries for help on her SNS, alongside physical notes and pleas for assistance regarding the financial debt she was burdened with after her DUI incident back in 2022. She had multiple suicide attempts as well.
Her family, alongside the infamous YouTube Channel Garosero Research Institute, released information about her hidden relationship with Kim Soo Hyun. Her part-time jobs and hardships to repay her debt, and her legal issues with Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, also surfaced. Texts between friends were also exposed, and it soon became a mud-slinging war between her side and Kim Soo Hyun’s side, which left netizens feeling bitter about her inability to rest in peace.
>> Kim Sae Ron Lent Her Father $360,000 at Age 14, Lost It All After His Bankruptcy
Kim Soo Hyun’s Scandal
Kim Soo Hyun went from top star to most hated alleged pedophile overnight. After the news was revealed that he had a sexual relationship with Kim Sae Ron while she was underage, various comments from his past resurfaced and allegations against him were released online. Kim Soo Hyun lost various endorsements, sued for reputable compensation, and even delayed Disney Plus Series Knock-Off.
Kim Soo Hyun saw massive financial loss and even held a press conference begging for forgiveness and trying to clear his name. The ongoing cases and allegations continue to keep netizens glued to their computers, and many wonder if he can make a return to the industry after he was edited out of hit show Good Day during his scandal.
Wheesung’s Death
Death happens in many ways, but it seemed various singers had committed suicide during this year. After announcing a set concert performance in Daegu, days later, Wheesung was discovered dead in his apartment in Seoul on March 10th. Emergency responders were dispatched after receiving a report from his family and investigated for foul play, suicide, and drug overdose. It was an unexpected tragedy and IU, Lee Hyori, and other artists were seen paying their respects to the deceased talent.
Son Heung Min’s Victory + Blackmail Scandal
Son shared joyful news that Tottenham Hotspur claimed victory in the 2024–25 UEFA Europa League final, defeating Manchester United– Son’s first major trophy and milestone in his career. However, it was all overshadowed after a woman in her 20s claimed Son got her pregnant and forced her to abort the baby. She blackmailed and extorted Son for $216,000 USD. However, it was soon revealed she was unsure of who the father actually was, and she and a man in his 40s were arrested for attempting to extort large sums of money with false claims.
NCT Taeil’s Quasi-Rape Court Case
In March 2025, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office indicted Taeil and two accomplices without detention on charges of aggravated quasi-rape, concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes. The court cases have recently begun and prosecutors demanded a seven-year prison term for Taeil and his accomplices after detailing his past sexual misconduct charges and sexual abuse towards a foreign woman.
Taeil debuted in 2016 as a member of NCT’s first unit. After confirming the criminal allegations, SM Entertainment terminated his exclusive contract in October last year.
>> Prosecutors Demand 7-Year Term for NCT Taeil’s Sex Crimes
THE BOYS Ju Haknyeon’s Dismissal
Fans were left speechless after hearing the news that THE BOYZ member Ju Haknyeon had been officially removed from the group and his contract was terminated after the alleged meeting with a Japanese pornstar was revealed to be true.
On May 29th, News1 revealed Shūkan Bunshun claimed member Ju Haknyeon met former Japanese AV actress Kirara Asuka at a bar in Roppongi. They were allegedly drinking together, and reports of them hugging, holding each other, and Haknyeon leaving with her became a hot issue. Haknyeon first denied it and even tried suing the person who leaked this information, claiming it was a setup. Soon after, he was reported to have bragged to the members of THEBOYZ to “seem cool. “He was ultimately removed from the group and agency while THEBOYS began their comeback without him.
>> Kirara Asuka Breaks Silence on Ju Haknyeon Scandal: “I Never Touched Him”
What did you think of the hot issues of 2025 so far? Any predictions of what might happen next? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and follow ZAPZEE for more K-Pop news, interviews and updates.
