Actress’ Suicide Sparks Debate Over the Pressure on Korean Celebrities and the Harmful Impact of Cyberbullying
The death of actress Kim Sae-ron at the age of 24 has brought fresh attention to the dark side of South Korea’s celebrity culture, shedding light on the intense pressures faced by public figures and the devastating consequences of cyberbullying.
Kim, who died in an apparent suicide at her home in Seoul on Sunday, had endured a tumultuous period following her 2022 drink-driving conviction, which resulted in significant online harassment. The negative press and online hate she received made her one of the latest celebrities to fall victim to the toxic aspects of South Korea’s entertainment industry. Despite police withholding further details, experts have drawn parallels with the tragic fates of other celebrities whose careers were destroyed by relentless public scrutiny.
As Kim was laid to rest, commentators expressed concern that her death would be yet another instance of a crisis ignored, offering no real opportunity for change in the industry. South Korea’s entertainment sector has gained worldwide acclaim, with Korean pop culture drawing over 220 million fans globally. However, beneath the success, a growing awareness of the harsh realities faced by stars is emerging.
The Harsh Reality for Celebrities
In South Korea, the pursuit of perfection is ingrained across all aspects of life, from education to career. The country has one of the highest suicide rates among developed nations, with young people, particularly those in their twenties, increasingly vulnerable to mental health struggles. Celebrities, under constant public surveillance, face added pressure, with even minor missteps, such as Kim Sae-ron’s DUI conviction, potentially destroying their careers.
Kim’s fall from grace was swift. Her appearance in Netflix’s 2023 drama Bloodhounds was edited, reflecting the swift judgment passed upon her by the public. “It’s not enough that celebrities face legal consequences, they also become targets of endless criticism,” said cultural critic Kim Hern-sik.
This toxic cycle of online abuse is not new. K-pop stars Sulli and Goo Hara, who died by suicide in 2019 after suffering from cyberbullying, are tragic examples. They, too, were hounded by public opinion, despite not having legal issues. Their stories exemplify how South Korean society punishes those who fail to conform to strict standards of behaviour, especially in the entertainment world.
The Profitability of Cyberbullying
Critics like Kim Hern-sik argue that cyberbullying has become a lucrative enterprise, with YouTubers, news outlets, and online forums profiting from the public’s obsession with scandal. Despite the tragic nature of Kim’s death, many doubt that her passing will inspire meaningful change.
Kim’s father has accused a YouTuber of contributing to her emotional distress, while others point to media outlets that have amplified unverified negative claims about her. The Citizens’ Coalition for Democratic Media has called for an end to this cycle of media-fuelled character assassination.
Calls for a Second Chance
Psychiatry professor Na Jong-ho compared the trend of celebrity suicides to the brutal competition of Squid Game, the South Korean Netflix hit where contestants fight for survival. He argued that society must stop abandoning those who stumble and move on as if nothing happened. “Drunk driving is a serious offence, but a society that shuns people for making mistakes without offering them a second chance is unhealthy,” Na said.
In South Korea, recovering from a scandal is a near-impossible feat for public figures. In contrast, politicians like opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, who has also faced a drink-driving conviction, have managed to regain public trust and continue their careers. This discrepancy highlights the stark difference in treatment between politicians and entertainers in the country.
International Differences
K-pop columnist Jeff Benjamin contrasted the South Korean approach with the more forgiving attitude of Western entertainment industries, where scandals and controversies sometimes add to a celebrity’s public image rather than end their careers. “In Hollywood, a DUI or criminal charge doesn’t usually end a career, whereas in Korea, even the smallest slip-up can be career-ending,” Benjamin noted.
While there have been efforts to address the mental health of performers in South Korea, true change will require a fundamental shift away from the financial incentives that fuel sensationalist reporting. Only then can the industry begin to prioritise the well-being of its stars and prevent further tragedies.
