Worship to witch hunts: how South Korea’s fandoms turn on their idols
When stars shine brightest in the glare of publicity, the darkness that follows can feel absolute. This December, three more lights went out
Two days later, television host and comedian Park Na-rae suspended her broadcast appearances following claims she had mistreated staff and received unauthorised medical treatments.
And fellow comedian Cho Sae-ho withdrew from his regular programmes the following day amid online allegations linking him to an acquaintance supposedly tied to organised crime, accusations that his agency has denied.
Each case was distinct, yet the response followed a familiar script. Allegations spread rapidly on social media, advertisers swiftly pulled sponsorships and formal apologies were made before any investigation had time to catch up.
Their careers collapsed almost overnight – casualties of a hyperconnected society where reputations can be lost in seconds.