NewJeans Controversy vs. Kim Soo-hyun Scandal: Which One Dominates the Headlines?

NewJeans’ Rise Overshadows Kim Soo-hyun’s Controversy

A recent discussion on the Korean forum Pann has sparked significant debate, centering around the question, “Did Kim Soo-hyun‘s controversy get overshadowed by NewJeans?” The post garnered immense attention, amassing over 147, 000 views and nearly 300 comments in a short period.

NewJeans Controversy Overshadows Kim Soo-hyun Scandal 2

The user behind this discussion expressed concern that while Kim Soo-hyun’s unresolved controversy continues to simmer, social media platforms are dominated by criticism of NewJeans, effectively diverting attention away from the ongoing issues surrounding the actor.

“How is it that the entire trending section is filled with NewJeans-related posts all the way up to the top 20, and somehow the Kim Soo-hyun controversy just completely disappeared?” the user lamented. They highlighted the inconsistency, noting that unresolved matters linger between Kim Soo-hyun and the bereaved family involved in his case, while the public seems preoccupied with NewJeans-related discussions.“People will argue that NewJeans is a girl group and therefore generates more conversation, but we saw similar responses last year concerning Han So-hee’s scandal, ” they added, referencing the controversy entangling the actress.

NewJeans Controversy Overshadows Kim Soo-hyun Scandal

Frustration with the media’s skewed scrutiny was palpable, as the author questioned why female idols frequently endure prolonged public scrutiny, while male celebrities’ scandals fade rapidly from public memory.

This sentiment resonates with many netizens, who have echoed similar concerns about the unequal treatment faced by female celebrities. While some individuals pointed fingers at NewJeans fans for the backlash against the girl group, several comments reflect a broader trend of societal attitudes:

If a female celebrity makes a mistake, she remains under scrutiny for months or even years, while male counterparts face criticism for just a few days before being forgiven.
There is more focus on analyzing a female idol’s fleeting facial expressions than discussing actual offenses committed by male celebrities.
In contrast, Kim Soo-hyun’s scandal was quickly forgotten, with many fans continuing to defend him.
Society tends to forgive male celebrities involved in serious misconduct, while female idols are relentlessly criticized for minor issues, such as cosmetic enhancements.
The backlash against NewJeans reflects an attempt to distract from Kim Soo-hyun’s ongoing controversy.

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