In early 2025, four prominent figures in Korean entertainment—Kim Soo Hyun, Baek Jong Won, NewJeans, and Son Heung Min—faced significant controversies that many netizens believe have severely impacted their public image.
The scandals ranged from Kim Soo Hyun’s rumored past relationship with the late actress Kim Sae Ron to Baek Jong Won’s increased scrutiny over his company The Born Korea. Meanwhile, NewJeans is currently embroiled in a legal dispute with ADOR, and Son Heung Min recently dealt with a blackmail incident involving an alleged ex-girlfriend.
One netizen highlighted these events through major headlines, noting the surprising fall from grace of stars previously considered untouchable. “I didn’t include photos because I didn’t want to see them. This post isn’t about comparing the scale of the controversies,” the netizen remarked. “It’s just surprising because these were all top stars who were previously seen as heavily protected.”
Responses from fellow netizens varied, with some questioning NewJeans’ inclusion in the lineup. Comments included: “Why is NewJeans in there? That’s a bit random,” and “It said public opinion changed, not that they caused a huge scandal.” Others pointed out the drastic shifts in public perception, noting that all four stars shared a collapse in their previously pristine images.
One user concluded, “It’s shocking that all these things happened. 2025 is not a good year.” As discussions continue to unfold online, the sentiment remains clear: public opinion can change rapidly, even for the most celebrated figures in the industry.
