Yale professor says Korean idols face harsher scrutiny than other stars, citing Suga’s DUI case
Local and international K-pop academics are urging South Korean society to reassess its approach to the mental health of celebrities who often endure intense scrutiny and harsh judgment. They argue that the unrealistic moral and professional standards imposed on public figures make it difficult for them to seek help without facing severe backlash.
This call for change follows the recent deaths of actress Kim Sae-ron in February and R&B singer Wheesung on Monday. Both had faced intense public criticism and ostracization, which reportedly contributed to their distress and struggles with depression. This pattern of tragedy echoes past cases, including K-pop idols Moonbin of Astro in April 2023, as well as Goo Hara of Kara and Sulli of f(x) in 2019, all of whom endured relentless industry pressures and public scrutiny before their untimely deaths.
Lee Jong-im, a lecturer at Seoul National University of Science & Technology’s Graduate School of Public Policy and Information Technology, said that South Korean society often views celebrities’ mistakes as irredeemable.
“There is a prevailing belief that public figures must be perfect in every aspect just because they are famous, which is unrealistic. Celebrities start their careers young and are still learning about the world. The expectation that they must always behave professionally is problematic,” Lee said, Tuesday. “The inability to openly discuss mental health issues further exacerbates the problem.”
Kim, once a rising actress, saw her career unravel after a drunk-driving incident in 2022. Although she faced legal consequences, the relentless online harassment overshadowed her attempts at redemption, reportedly taking a significant toll on her mental health.
Similarly, Wheesung, a pioneering figure in Korean R&B, struggled with allegations of drug abuse that led to public disgrace. His past use of propofol, for which he received a suspended sentence in 2021, became a lasting stigma that distanced him from the industry and fans. The singer, whose cause of death has yet to be confirmed, had previously spoken about suffering from depression and panic disorder in 2020, exacerbated by personal hardships, including the loss of his father in 2018.
Lee also pointed out that the pressure to maintain an idealized image on social media, coupled with constant public scrutiny, reinforces the perfectionism expected of celebrities.
“Media coverage and hate comments on social media work together in ways that can drive celebrities to the breaking point,” Lee added. “Since addressing this issue relies on users' media literacy, awareness and ethical responsibility, a clear solution has yet to emerge.”
Grace Kao, a sociology professor at Yale University, highlighted the high levels of stress, anxiety and depression experienced by South Korean celebrities compared to their counterparts elsewhere.
“Idols are under additional duress as they are supposed to be perfect not just in terms of their appearance, but also in terms of their behavior,” Kao told The Korea Herald, Wednesday. “When an idol violates these expectations, the Korean public can be especially harsh. For instance, compare how international versus Korean fans responded to Suga’s DUI.”
“It would be great to normalize therapy for all idols whose mental health is at-risk. I also think it would be helpful if online comments were kinder,” Kao added.
jaaykim@heraldcorp.com
