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South Korea’s worst celebrities of 2024
1.Singer Kim Ho Joong
In celebration of its 20th anniversary, South Korean newspaper Joy News 24 conducted a survey among 200 entertainment industry professionals—including representatives from entertainment companies, TV networks, filmmakers, and journalists—to identify the “Worst Star of 2024.”
The poll, held from September 30 to October 8, revealed the top six figures, as reported by Tien Phong.
Leading the list with 100 votes was trot singer Kim Ho Joong. In May, he collided with a taxi in Seoul’s Gangnam-gu, fled the scene, and had his manager take the blame.
On Sept. 30, prosecutors recommended a 3.5-year prison sentence for Kim in connection with a hit-and-run incident. Survey participants expressed disappointment at Kim’s dishonest actions, remarking that a sincere explanation and apology could have been sufficient.
2. Chairman of South Korean entertainment company HYBE Bang Si Hyuk
HYBE Corporation’s chairman, Bang Si Hyuk, ranked second on the “Worst Star of 2024” list, receiving 37 votes.
His reputation has been tarnished by various controversies, including allegations of mismanaging the boy band BTS and girl group NewJeans, as well as attempts to sabotage rival artists.
Recently, a leaked HYBE document reportedly exposed efforts to undermine competitors, including the girl group Blackpink. Many fans expressed frustration over Bang’s lack of response to these issues, with some even demanding his resignation.
3. Former CEO of record label Ador Min Hee Jin
Min Hee Jin secured third place with 26 votes.
According to Joy News 24, industry insiders have expressed increasing frustration over Min’s ongoing legal battle with HYBE, parent company of Ador, which has been ongoing since April. Although she was recently reinstated as Ador’s internal director, many speculate that her role lacks real influence.
4. Actor Kang Kyung Joon
Actor Kang Kyung Joon placed fourth on the list with eight votes.
In July, Kang admitted to an extramarital affair after being sued by his mistress’s husband, who sought 50 million won (around $38,000) in damages.
Kang was also accused of attempting to run away with the mistress. Despite the scandal, his wife, actress Jang Shin Young, publicly forgave him.
5. Musician Jung Joon Young (R) and actor Yoo Ah In (L)
Musician Jung Joon Young and actor Yoo Ah In share fifth place, each receiving seven votes.
Jung, who completed a five-year prison sentence for sex crimes in March, came under renewed public scrutiny after the release of the Burning Sun documentary in May, as reported by Korea Times. His plans to open a Korean restaurant in Lyon, France, further fueled criticism, with many questioning his seemingly comfortable life post-incarceration.
Meanwhile, actor Yoo Ah In, once praised for his talent, was sentenced to one year in prison in September for propofol abuse, a scandal that first surfaced in 2023. The incident not only disappointed his fans but also damaged his previously stellar reputation.
6. YouTuber Juice Seyeon (L) and singer Seungri (R)
YouTuber Juice Seyeon and singer Seungri tied for sixth place, each receiving two votes.
Seyeon, known for her subscriber-only adult content on YouTube, stirred controversy in August when photos surfaced online of her with HYBE Chairman Bang Si Hyuk in Beverly Hills, U.S. This sparked speculation about the nature of their relationship and potential financial backing from him.
The appearance of former BigBang member Seungri at a nightclub in Bali in August angered fans, who criticized him for showing no remorse following his release from prison.
Seungri was sentenced to three years in a military court in August 2021 for crimes including arranging prostitution, but his sentence was reduced to 18 months, and he was released in February 2023, according to The Straits Times.
*Photos from the individuals’ Instagram and Facebook accounts, as well as their fan pages.
