The BBC’s release of a damning documentary has once again brought attention to the seedy underbelly of South Korea’s nightlife.
The centerpiece of the exposé was the infamous Burning Sun scandal that sent shockwaves throughout the country and exposed the involvement of prominent individuals, such as former BIGBANG member Seungri.
https://t.co/yZFo2zuIRq pic.twitter.com/PPLlj9z4L7
—. 2025 🔜 (@InTheChart) May 19, 2024
Despite being praised as the epitome of opulence and amusement in Gangnam, Burning Sun now serves as a bleak testament to the horrors that took place inside its premises.
The BBC documentary, which premiered on May 19, exposed the club’s hidden truths, uncovering its involvement in prostitution, illegal filming (molka), drug use, and sexual assault.
Upon its opening, Burning Sun immediately established itself as the pinnacle of Gangnam’s nightlife scene.
The lavish decor, lively dance floors, and VIP sections allured large groups of revelers who sought to bask in its luxurious atmosphere.
Despite the flashy and extravagant facade, there was a dark truth hidden beneath the surface. The film highlights the stark contrast between Burning Sun’s former glory and its current state of neglect.
— appy (@sooyashosie) May 19, 2024
Formerly teeming with activity, the club now remains in ruins, its previously lively dance floors now coated in rubble and dirt.
The BBC documentary guides its audience on a chilling exploration of the depths of Burning Sun, revealing its most sinister truths.
Gang rape, trafficking, drugging women, video distribution of them raping women. All the convicts of burning sun scandal are now roaming free, having careers & enjoying life. One of the journalists investigating it was harassed so much by their fans she suffered two miscarriages. https://t.co/jQPrfwtLl6
— inqilāb (@tastefullysaucy) May 19, 2024
One of the most alarming discoveries is the presence of a covert concealed chamber, exclusively available to high-profile individuals who paid exorbitant amounts for entry.
I visited Burning Sun Club my first time in Oct 2018 just before the scandal broke out in November. The moment I entered the club things just felt ‘Off’ and a lot of parts in the club were not ‘Accessible’ for normal people like mehttps://t.co/8jmMmwH2Ef
— Radius Khor (@RadiusKhor) May 20, 2024
According to reports, women were drugged and subjected to unspeakable acts of violence against their will within this secretive chamber.
This is one of the rooms at the club in the Burning Sun case which was used as a place for the victims to be tortured, even the late Go Hara helped reveal this vile scandal, but there are still those who say this is mediaplay and they are dragging other idols to defend the perpetrators pic.twitter.com /CKD1F9E66K
— kia (@jmazeey) May 20, 2024
The notorious red bathroom, which was known as a representation of the club’s debauchery, was prominently showcased in the documentary as well.
The circulation of videos on pornographic websites depicting drugged women being assaulted in the bathroom further exposed the extent of Burning Sun’s depravity.
No they’re not. They’re bringing to light testimony of a rape victim who was drugged at Burning Sun and then violently assaulted. Seungri was part owner and active administrator of this club. pic.twitter.com/5MvUoqn2Cn https://t.co/LZPGXOatPa
— dutchesskpop (@DutchessKpop) May 19, 2024
The Burning Sun scandal was initially exposed in 2019, sparking a wave of anger and demands for accountability.
justice system is shit and horrible because why bastards who are involved in the burning sun scandal is still roaming around freely while those innocent victims are still suffering. what a world we live in, they may rot in hell. https://t.co/hCcLMBSv5c
— ☆ (@kyungmoonrose) May 19, 2024
Despite legal consequences faced by multiple individuals, such as Seungri, many argue that justice has not been fully achieved.
The BBC documentary’s debut serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of holding the South Korean nightlife industry accountable and pushing for reform.
Burning Sun scandal, “Women were being drvgged inside the nightclub, and s3xually assaulted by men attending the club.” — @bbcworldservice Burning Sun: Exposing the secret K-pop chat groups – BBC World Service D… https://t.co/2CGxn8WhTW via @YouTube pic.twitter.com/eQF7lcUZbU
— LisaVote50 (@LisaVote50) May 19, 2024
Taking action is crucial in guaranteeing the protection and welfare of all individuals, safeguarding them from the possibility of being taken advantage of or experiencing harm.
Despite the nation struggling with the repercussions of the Burning Sun scandal, it is evident that the damage caused by this bleak period in South Korea’s past will not be easily repaired.
sk laws are a fcknn joke, why seungri the head of burning sun scandal roaming out free https://t.co/Ni5m8AwJLx pic.twitter.com/DVHP78X3r7
— 💋⁷ (@tanniesforevrr) May 19, 2024
Meaningful change can only be achieved by upholding transparency, accountability, and a dedication to justice.
BBC posted a docu abt burning sun scandal with unreleased videos & messages between sngri, JJY & choi jnghoon🤢The reporter who published the case said she also got a call from Hara saying she wants to help: (Hara was the one who confirmed the “police” who was part of the GC… pic.twitter.com/Hko3a6Ch5H
— Dening (@gol3naotc) May 19, 2024
Despite the closure of The Burning Sun nightclub, its impact continues to linger in the minds of a nation struggling to come to terms with the consequences of its scandalous history.
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