Is this the beginning of a mea culpa?
What is certain is that some Korean media are beginning to question their responsibility for the rate of artist suicides recorded in recent years.
In a society that prides itself on excellence at all levels, and where one false step condemns you for life, it was time to ask questions and reflect on a clever but little-known concept called second chance.
Second chance for their artists, but also for their youth in general.
Bravo to this Korean daily for questioning and daring to put the subject on the table.
We need to reflect on the “fall culture” that is harsher for celebrities
Enter 2025.02.18. 12:10 AMLINK – (auto translation)
Actress Kim Sae-ron (25) has passed away at his home.
Kim Sae-ron made a comeback after △early success △ sudden fall △ failed, and finally chose the tragic death.
The young actress struggle to get back on her feet but was trampled on by the world clearly demonstrated the twisted values of the Korean media and public opinion, which impose “ruthless self-reflection” on celebrities by applying standards of self-reflection.
Kim Sae-ron received a lot of attention from his childhood when he appeared in the movie “The Man from Nowhere” (2010).
She still actively appeared in dramas and entertainment programs as an adult.
However, she was fined for causing an intoxicated traffic accident in 2022 and had to stop her entertainment activities as she was put on a banned list for broadcasting companies.
Since then, Kim has made several attempts to return to the show, but it was not easy.
When her return work was known, she had to leave the show again due to controversy over her personality.
An article about her working part-time due to hardships in life caused cynicism that she was doing a show.
Whenever an actress who debuted at the age of nine and had no place to show off her talent except in the entertainment industry, the media and public opinion constantly forced her to bow his head, saying she lacked self-reflection.
In particular, the Korean media cannot avoid the responsibility of laying a groundwork for such sensational stories.
There were articles that claimed “likes” on social networking services, and they didn’t hesitate to use extreme titles such as “hate award” and “attention seeker” (attention seeker).
The media used Kim Sae-ron in its “view count” once again, with articles that discouraged the media from returning to work, and finally died.
It is a mistake that must be deeply self-reflected and corrected.
It is true that Korean public opinion, which is sensitive to causal retribution, has greatly helped eradicate bad practices.
However, the principle of proportionality, which calls for taking responsibility only for mistakes, still leaves much to be desired.
If the culture of zero tolerance continues, which forces celebrities to “thoroughly self-reflect” and refuses to allow forgiveness, the tragedy in which an entertainer who made mistakes or mistakes takes his own life will not disappear.
There is no reason why celebrities should be subject to higher moral standards than politicians which we cover up their criminal records and pardon them.
Hankook Ilbo