K-Pop Stars Insooni and Cha Eun-woo Face Harsh Online Criticism: A Growing Concern

K-pop stars, including singer Insooni and ASTRO's Cha Eun-woo, are facing relentless criticism and harsh comments online.

Insooni recently faced backlash after posting a photo from Koyote member Kim Jong-min's private wedding on social media, inadvertently revealing the bride's face. Insooni apologized, stating, "I wasn't aware it was a private wedding. I posted it because the couple looked beautiful." She also mentioned that her conversation with Kim Jong-min and his wife ended amicably. Despite her apology, some netizens continued to criticize her, with some comments bordering on harsh condemnation.

An entertainment industry insider commented, "Excessive criticism of Insooni could make things more difficult for Kim Jong-min and his wife. She sincerely apologized, and the couple accepted it positively. Continuing to raise this issue externally is pointless."

Cha Eun-woo is also enduring baseless and excessive online attacks. In response, his fans organized a truck protest outside the Fantagio headquarters in Gangnam, Seoul, on the 21st. The truck displayed messages urging the agency to "actively respond" and "protect the artist for personal growth and long-term development." Fans expressed frustration, stating, "Cha Eun-woo hasn't filed any lawsuits in his nine-year career, and during this time, unfounded rumors and indiscriminate criticism have intensified."

Some netizens began criticizing Cha Eun-woo after he released the tribute song 'Door in the Dream' with 22 close friends of the late ASTRO member Moonbin on the 19th. They accused Cha Eun-woo and his agency of exploiting the deceased for profit. Additionally, a false rumor circulated last month claiming that "Cha Eun-woo only sent flowers to the late Kim Sae-ron's funeral and did not attend." This rumor was confirmed to be untrue.

A veteran entertainment agency representative noted, "For some netizens, only the perceived flaws of celebrities matter, not the underlying circumstances. Whether the flaw is a misunderstanding or a fact, it becomes a basis for criticism, even if the celebrity sincerely reflects on their actions. Despite losing several celebrities to malicious comments, nothing seems to have changed."

Both the music and legal industries acknowledge that unless cyberbullying is persistent and severe, simple malicious comments are unlikely to result in legal action. Multiple entertainment insiders expressed frustration, saying, "Even if the agency proceeds with lawsuits, the lack of outcomes leaves fans feeling helpless."

Min-kyung Lee, TenAsia Reporter 2min_ror@tenasia.co.kr