Topic
From bands breaking up to controversial members making headlines for the wrong reasons, these are the biggest scandals in K-pop.
- The fans say Seoul is ‘disrespecting’ BTS as the K-pop superstars have contributed significantly to the country’s economy and soft power
- BTS’ agency Hybe is under scrutiny after it was allegedly blackmailed into paying individuals who were aware of its unethical business tactics
The BigBang singer was let off after police failed to obtain testimonies to support the charges against him.
Big Bang singer G-Dragon was charged this week by police in South Korea with illegal drug use, after news of an investigation of a Parasite actor over similar alleged offences.
Jung Yoon-suk’s Dear Jinri is a heartbreaking documentary built around the final interview given by K-pop star Sulli of girl group f(x) – recorded ‘shortly before her passing’ in 2019.
Winter of aespa girl group, has been targeted, as have staff at SM Entertainment, home to a number of K-pop acts including boy band NCT.
A police report lodged by an unnamed individual claims the opening lines of six of the K-pop star’s songs, including Good Day, Red Shoes and Bbibbi, were reportedly copied.
Kyoungyoon of boy band DKZ was unaware of the religious activities carried out by his parents and believed them to be part of a ‘normal’ church.
The singer is accused of using the services of a middleman, who was recently arrested, to manipulate his health records to evade mandatory conscription.
Ive’s Wonyoung and Liz, Enhypen’s Jungwon, NMixx’s Sullyoon, Bae and Jinni, StayC’s Yoon and J, and NewJeans’ Minji chose to skip Korea’s CSAT entrance exam to focus on their groups’ activities
In 2022, K-pop girl groups have turned away from the ultra-feminine to a badass empowering image
The K-pop queens’ comeback tour lands in Hong Kong in January 2023, but there’s already drama over US$1,300 resale tickets, feuding and disbandment fears …
From Ye with Adidas and Aamir Khan with Snapdeal, to Sharon Stone with Dior and Maria Sharapova with Nike – why did these 10 celebs get dropped from repping the world’s biggest brands?
From Momoland’s and (G)I-dle’s Soojin to 2PM’s Jay Park, Le Sserafim’s Kim Garam and Pentagon’s Dawn, why did these K-pop idols have their contracts cut short by their agencies?
From Blackpink’s Lisa and NCT’s Yuta to Aespa’s Giselle, Ive’s Liz and Loona’s Vivi, why have these K-pop idols been seemingly excluded from group activities by their agencies?
New leaked photos are adding fuel to the Blackpink and BTS members’ dating rumours, from a kiss during that alleged Jeju Island date to a hug at a Born Pink party …
The director of Anna accused streaming service Coupang Play of re-editing the drama series without her consent. Lee Joo-young says Coupang Play apologised, but it denies that and says it acted within its rights.
From Girls’ Generation to Exo, her creative resume is plenty impressive, but is Min’s styling of Ador’s first girl group a little too controversial for K-pop fans to stomach?
Le Sserafim’s Kim Garam is officially out just two months after debuting – but which other K-pop idols left their groups early?
These 6 stars all like to show off their tattoos despite Korea’s strict rules around them – from BTS’ Jungkook and Got7’s Jackson Wang, to Jay Park and Hyuna
K-stars’ personal dramas play out in full view of the public, meaning their reputations can be shattered in the blink of an eye ... but these stars managed to make a comeback
It’s hard to know who to trust in the world of K-pop, so how did BTS, Blackpink, Momoland, Seventeen and Super Junior all end up getting swindled by people in their trusted inner circles?
Kim Ga-ram was hit with accusations of bullying while in middle school just before the launch of K-pop girl group Le Sserafim. Now their music label under Hybe has terminated her contract over the controversy.
Twenty-Five Twenty-One star Nam Joo-hyuk denies allegations from a third accuser as his agency warns it will take legal action against the accusers and those who spread the claims online.
Kim Sae-ron is no stranger to controversy, having made headlines for scandals from drink-driving to allegedly regifting fan presents – is the latest scandal her last?
Nayeon has navigated scandals about her cracking voice, alleged bandmate bullying and even her choice of streaming platform – now she’s made history with the biggest solo release in Billboard history
From Lesserafim’s Kim Garam and Stray Kids’ Woojin to AOA’s Jimin, which K-pop idols have been caught up in alleged bullying scandals over the years?
From Lesserafim’s Garam to Exo’s Chen and Chanyeol, here are the K-pop stars who were forced to go on hiatus – some indefinitely – by fan demand
Kim Garam, a 16-year-old member of new girl group Le Sserafim, had had her career terminated after a lawsuit was brought against her for school bullying.
