In early February, Naver announced that the “most-searched keyword” list would be removed from its search engine platform by the end of the month. This change, intended to dispel concerns over Naver’s manipulation of public opinion, instead motivated the rapid release of numerous accusations of bullying against Korean celebrities — including several actors and K-pop idols. The scandal has caused the hiatus of multiple idols from promotion activities and the postponement of at least two upcoming dramas, as the industry scrambles to decide how to handle the revelations. In the wake of all these accusations, the focus largely remains on individual celebrity responses. However, the initial trigger must not be forgotten: the fear that with the trending searches tool removed, any future claims against problematic celebrities could be quickly swept under the carpet. Emboldened by each other, victims of powerful people have at last been able to air their stories.

The widespread accusations actually began in the sports industry. Volleyball twins Jae-young and Da-young Lee, who are amongst Korea’s most well-known athletes, have been suspended from the national team after admitting to allegations of physical, verbal, and emotional abuse from a former teenage teammate. The prominence of their confession and the severity of the outcome provided confidence to other victims of similar circumstances to come forward, mostly anonymously. Unlike most other OECD countries, public defamation is criminalized in Korea, meaning that besides making false accusations, exposing true facts can have serious repercussions. The purpose and effects of these laws are a topic for serious debate, given that they favor those with power and status, like company-backed celebrities. But seeing other victims receive a public apology motivated a sudden rise in online accusations, despite the fear of being sued. As such, in the last few weeks, there have been claims of bullying against at least 15 idols and actors, including Hyunjin of Stray Kids, Soojin of (G)I-DLE, and actor Ji Soo Kim.

Of course, the question fueling much of the scandal has been: are the accusations true? Ranging from name-calling to physical violence, and in some cases even sexual assault, the claims are as diverse in situation as they are specific in detail, with accounts of particular instances of bullying that left a lasting imprint on the victims. It’s often noted internationally that bullying in Korea seems to be particularly ruthless, often left unchecked by teachers overly concerned with the school reputation or wealthy connections. And, of course, the claims are difficult to prove, with many of the reported incidents happening several years ago. Unsurprisingly, many of the claims have been described as “false” and “baseless” in official statements from idol management agencies. There’s no denying the possibility that some of the accusations have indeed been falsified; with large fan bases come “antis” who could manipulate the situation to damage the reputation of certain idols. However, it is clear that some must also be true, whether or not they can provide evidence publicly deemed sufficient. In fact, in a few cases, they have been confirmed by the celebrities in question, who have issued apparently heartfelt handwritten apologies with the promise to “reflect on their past actions”. 

What’s concerning though, is that in spite of the accusations, even in the cases where the bullying has been admitted, fans are flocking to the protection of their favorite idol. Korea’s entertainment industry opens individuals to harsh criticism with one hand but provides unwavering devotees with the other. These fans have been captured by the attraction of often carefully-cultivated idol personas; it is too easy to blur the line between idealized heartthrob and naturally flawed human being. The fans’ rejection of bullying claims — perhaps in an effort to maintain their own cherished image of a celebrity — adds a new dimension to the scandal. In seeking to invalidate or minimize the significance of the claims, they seem to be only a short step from victim-blaming, in some cases simply calling liar, in others, reversing the roles of victim and bully. With the weight of a fandom against only a few people, the cycle of abuse continues in a new form. 

This scandal has provided a fresh glimpse at the many unspoken injustices of Korean society. Rampant bullying in schools has lasting impacts; defamation laws make it difficult to speak up; and the foundation of celebrity culture is built upon power and false perfection. Realistically, none of this will change any time soon — this is just the latest round of scandal in a society that loves to hate it. At least, though, some of the victims received an apology.