In 2024, while K-Pop, K-Dramas, K-Movies, and K-Food flourished, the entertainment industry faced major scandals involving drunk driving, hit-and-runs, legal disputes, drug abuse, infidelity, and sexual crimes.
To mark its 20th anniversary, Joy News 24 surveyed 200 industry insiders, including entertainment employees and media reporters, asking, “Who was the worst figure in the entertainment business in 2024?” The survey took place from September 30 to October 8, 2024.
6. Juice Seyeon & Seungri
Streamers Juice Seyeon and disgraced idol Seungri tied for #6 with 2 votes each. Juice Seyeon sparked interest after being seen with HYBE chairman Bang Si Hyuk in California, while Seungri remained in the spotlight following the release of the BBC documentary “Burning Sun”, particularly after a sighting in a Bali club in August 2024 that angered fans.
5. Jung Joon-young & Yoo Ah In
Convicted rapist Jung Joon-young received 7 votes, tying at #5 with actor Yoo Ah In, whose drug scandal shocked Korea. Released from prison in March 2024, Jung Joon-young was again criticized after being spotted in Lyon, France, attempting to open a restaurant. Yoo Ah In was sentenced to one year in prison for propofol abuse, leading to major setbacks for K-dramas and K-movies.
4. Kang Kyung-joon
Actor Kang Kyung-joon ranked #4 with 8 votes, infamous for his affair with a mistress. His scandal erupted in January 2024 with the revelation of cheating texts, and he later confessed to infidelity in court. Despite this, his wife, actress Jang Shin Young, announced she would not divorce him, later appearing on a TV show to discuss her forgiveness.
3. Min Hee-jin
Former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin secured the #3 spot with 26 votes. Industry insiders expressed fatigue from the ongoing legal battles between her and HYBE, which began in April. As of November 2024, Min Hee-jin was reappointed as ADOR’s in-house director, though many believe her role is largely symbolic.
2. Bang Si-hyuk
HYBE chairman Bang Si-hyuk was named the second worst figure with 37 votes, following negative revelations about the company’s internal practices and content.
1. Kim Ho-joong
The dishonor of being the worst figure in entertainment in 2024 went to singer Kim Ho-joong, who received 50% of the votes. His manager’s drunk-driving incident spiraled into a significant investigation, with Kim Ho-joong ultimately admitting he was driving while his manager attempted to cover it up. As of September 30, prosecutors sought a 3-year, 6-month sentence. During his final statement, Kim Ho-joong expressed regret and pledged to “sober up and live right.” Industry insiders were appalled by his handling of the DUI, which deviated from the common practice of taking responsibility and apologizing.
Source: krB
