《Kim Ji-won’s KakaoTalk》
Celebrities suffering from fake news
Divorce is basic, even infidelity and domestic violence are ‘all fake news’
Social institutions are needed to sanction
Celebrities suffering from fake news
Divorce is basic, even infidelity and domestic violence are ‘all fake news’
Social institutions are needed to sanction
《Kim Ji-won’s KakaoTalk》
‘Today’s story that is open and harsh’. Reporter Kim Ji-won of Ten Asia harshly criticizes entertainment and broadcasting industry issues from a difficult perspective.
Celebrities are suffering from fake news. YouTube videos made up as if they were facts are being uploaded without any standards. Netizens are also easily ‘hooked’ by malicious YouTubers aiming for views.
Recently, a video of Kim Yu-na and Go Woo-rim's divorce was posted on a YouTube channel, calling it 'emergency breaking news'. The video included an explanation that Kim Yuna and Go Woo-rim had recently divorced, which was reported through leading domestic media. There was even information that Go Woo-rim cheated on Kim Yu-na, who was pregnant. However, this is fake news that has no source and is close to delusion. None of the media outlets mentioned had reported this.
Baek Jong-won was also embroiled in rumors of his death. A YouTube video titled 'Baek Jong-won's Bad News' contained the content that Baek Jong-won suffered from a rare disease, paid enormous medical bills, and died, leaving a debt of 10 billion won to his family, including his wife, So Yoo-jin. In response, Baek Jong-won, who was filming overseas, came forward and provided an explanation. Baek Jong-won said through the brand owner's cafe that he runs, "First of all, I am very well and my body is healthy," and "I have been staying for a few days to film a program that seeks ways to promote Korean food to foreigners." .
However, even after that, fake news related to Baek Jong-won came out again. Baek Jong-won committed an affair and repeatedly assaulted his wife, So Yoo-jin. This is also fake news and not true.
Hye-eun also experienced rumors of death. He appeared on the KBS entertainment show 'Park Won-sook's Let's Live Together' and directly addressed the death rumors. In the broadcast, Soyoung Ahn was suspicious, saying, “Someone I know called me and said, ‘Hye-eun’s sister has died.’” Ahn Moon-sook also shared the story she heard, "Hye-eun suddenly suffered a cardiac arrest and was taken to the hospital." There was even a story that 'Let's Live Together' members attended the Jeju Island funeral. Hye-eun said, “There was a story like that. I received a bone marrow donation, and they said I received it from Kim Dong-hyun (ex-husband),” and burst out laughing in embarrassment.
Popular trot singers Lim Young-woong and Lee Chan-won also could not avoid fake news. Lee Chan-won revealed that he had been involved in fake news with producer Hong Sang-hoon on JTBC's 'Talk Partner 25 Hours', where he is the MC. Lee Chan-won said, “There was a fake news going around that Producer Hong Sang-hoon borrowed a large amount of money from me but never paid it back,” and added, “My mother was so shocked that she contacted me and asked, ‘Did you borrow money?’ Elderly people really believe it.” He said it, surprising everyone.
Lee Chan-won also said, “I saw hundreds of (fake) news reports that I had a big fight with a fellow singer.” When Jeon Hyun-moo asked, “Have you ever fought with Lim Young-woong?” Chan-won Lee waved his hand and said, “No. (Everyone) knows this.”
There is also a lot of fake news surrounding Lim Young-woong. The beauty salon run by Lim Young-woong's mother was closed, and viewers were confused by cleverly editing it and misleading thumbnails to make it seem as if it was closed for chemotherapy. The video also recorded 430,000 views.
Excessive fake news causes trouble to both celebrities and fans. Because fake news is provocative, it spreads more easily and quickly. Another problem is that the content in the fake news video is specific and detailed, making it easier for viewers to believe it. Fake news that has no basis at all to the point where it can't even be said to be unclear. We need a legal system that sanctions and punishes YouTubers who spread baseless fake news. In addition, the public must be careful to accept news judiciously and not spread it indiscriminately.
Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr