To celebrate its 21st anniversary, the Korean entertainment outlet JoyNews24 conducted its annual insider survey, gathering responses from 110 industry professionals — including producers, reporters, and agency officials.

Each participant was asked to name the figures who had made the most negative impact on the industry in 2025, whether through crime, scandal, or misconduct. The resulting list of “Worst People of the Year” reveals a year defined by controversy, legal battles, and public outrage.

7. Seungri and Yoon Ji-on: Old Scandals Resurface

At the bottom of the list but still earning mention were Seungri and actor Yoon Ji-on, each receiving two votes.

Although Seungri has already completed his sentence for the Burning Sun scandal, his recent activities in Cambodia reignited public criticism and reminded the industry of one of its darkest chapters.

Meanwhile, Yoon Ji-on’s DUI arrest in September abruptly halted his rising career, showing how one misstep can swiftly damage years of hard-earned reputation.

6. Min Hee-jin: From Visionary to Controversial Figure

Once hailed as the creative genius behind NewJeans, former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin found herself on the list with three votes.

Her ongoing legal dispute with HYBE and the founding of her new agency have kept her at the center of heated debates about corporate power and creative control in K-pop — transforming her from a respected executive into one of the industry’s most divisive personalities.

5. Baek Jong-won: Business Under Scrutiny

Celebrity chef and entrepreneur Baek Jong-won also made the list, receiving four votes. His company, TheBorn Korea, was investigated for mislabeling food products and violating health regulations, tarnishing the image of a man once considered a symbol of reliability in Korean cuisine.

4. Kim Se-ui and Jung Woo-sung: Scandals Across Sectors

In a rare pairing of media and acting scandals, Kim Se-ui — founder of the controversial GaroSero Institute YouTube channel — and veteran actor Jung Woo-sung both received five votes.

Kim Se-ui faced backlash for spreading unverified political claims, while Jung Woo-sung was accused of fathering a child out of wedlock with model Moon Ga-bi, leading to widespread public criticism and disappointment among fans.

3. Taeil (Former NCT Member): A Fall from Grace

Former NCT member Taeil ranked third with seven votes after being sentenced to three and a half years in prison for rape. His case, now under appeal, shook the K-pop world, raising concerns about accountability and image management within idol culture.

2. Bang Si-hyuk: Power and Controversy

HYBE chairman Bang Si Hyuk, one of the most influential figures in K-pop, came in second with eight votes.

Currently under investigation for alleged financial fraud, the powerful executive’s inclusion signals a growing willingness within the industry to hold even its most powerful figures accountable — a shift from the silence that once surrounded corporate misconduct.

1. Kim Soo-hyun and Lee Jin-ho: The Year’s Most Controversial Figures

Tied at the top with 28 votes each, actor Kim Soo-hyun and comedian Lee Jin-ho were named the “Worst People of the Year.”

Kim Soo-hyun’s once-spotless image was shattered by rumors linking him to the late actress Kim Sae-ron. He was accused of having an inappropriate relationship with her when she was underage and allegedly contributing to her tragic downfall — claims that sparked an enormous public backlash.

Comedian Lee Jin-ho, meanwhile, faced multiple scandals — including a gambling investigation and a drunk-driving arrest. Reports suggesting that his actions indirectly led to his girlfriend’s death only intensified public outrage, cementing his position at the top of this year’s list.

Several other names were also mentioned by voters:

• Ju Haknyeon — left THE BOYZ after a dating controversy.
• Hwang Jung-eum — accused of embezzling billions of won and investing in cryptocurrency.
• Seo Hye-jin — producer of Under Fifteen (MBN), criticized for the sexualization of minors in her program.

This year’s JoyNews24 survey reflects a growing sentiment within the industry: no one is untouchable. As Korea’s entertainment sector continues to expand globally, public expectations around ethics, integrity, and accountability have risen sharply. 2025 has made it clear — fame offers no shield from consequences.

Sources: Koreaboo