'Assault and affair' fake news leaves entertainment industry bruised

《Yoon Jun-ho's Rebirth》

Reporter Junho Yoon of Ten Asia introduces trends in the entertainment industry. We look at the culture, fashion, and past works of celebrities across the entertainment industry and discuss fun and interesting aspects. Let's look back at what the needs of viewers have increased from the perspective of the MZ generation and what made it popular or uncomfortable with the public.

---

Celebrities live on rumors and fake news. Whether true or not, 'provocative words' capture the public's attention. Even if the controversy turns out to be untrue, it has already become an irrelevant issue. In the end, suspicion remains as a label that holds a celebrity back.

The entertainment industry is life with fake news. Several controversies have erupted recently. In the case of famous fitness trainer Hwang Cheol-soon, a video of him assaulting his wife became a problem.

Ji, the wife of Hwang Cheol-soon and the person involved, stated that it was a 'manipulated video.' The whole incident was said to be an action to catch an acquaintance who was spewing out speculations. However, rather than an explanation, Hwang Cheol-soon's assault received more attention. After the problem became more serious, the attitude of 'groundless' was shown, but the suspicion towards Hwang Cheol-soon was not removed.

At the time of the incident, the majority of public opinion was 'I knew it would happen'. What was ironic was the public's attitude immediately after the explanation was released. After various speculations and accusations poured in, the attitude changed to 'that will never happen'.

In the end, the problem remained and the explanation disappeared from people's memories. Hwang Cheol-soon was left with only the label of 'wife assaulter'.

That's not all. The era of personal media has already arrived. These days, it is not awkward for each person to assert their opinion through the media. The problem is that there is no device to filter out blind claims from individuals.

Expressing opinions through the media has influence. The video can be viewed by as few as tens of thousands of people, or as many as hundreds or tens of millions of people. Truth is not important in products produced by individuals. Just creating a provocative issue and promoting your channel or video is a 'right opinion'.

The side effect is that 'fake news' is created. If this is combined with the adage, 'If not, will there be smoke coming out of the chimney', the suspicion towards celebrities becomes deeper.

Broadcaster and businessman Baek Jong-won had to go through a difficult time due to the 'fake news' that he beat his wife, So So-jin. Additionally, this fake news went through a process of being re-proliferated and reproduced. The lies about Baek Jong-won have suddenly become a stigma, and he has become 'that kind of person.'

In addition, rumors of the affair of broadcaster Do Kyung-wan, who was married to singer Jang Yoon-jeong, also broke out. Actors Son Ye-jin and Hyun Bin were also embroiled in divorce rumors.

'Personal media', which was created as a channel of communication, is creating victims. Now is the time when the wrong culture has become established. The ability to filter out indiscriminate information is also important. The judgment of the public, who are attracted to provocative issues, also leaves something to be desired. A 'group lynching' that takes place even when an explanation is provided. It is the cause of disease not only in the entertainment industry but also in society.

Reporter Junho Yoon, Ten Asia delo410@tenasia.co.kr