K-dramas captivate millions with their charming leads and heartfelt stories, but off-screen, some stars have sparked outrage with behaviors perceived as dismissive or rude toward their devoted fans.
While many incidents stem from misunderstandings, exhaustion, or privacy concerns, they've led to public apologies and debates about celebrity-fan boundaries. Here's a roundup of notable cases that made headlines.
1. Park Shin-hye's Alleged Gift Discard at the Airport
In 2011, Park Shin-hye, known for hits like "The Heirs" and "Pinocchio," was accused of discarding gifts from fans at an airport after an international event. Reports claimed she left or threw away items handed to her, sparking backlash for appearing ungrateful to supporters who traveled far to meet her. She denied intent, explaining travel logistics made it hard to carry everything and encouraged mailing gifts to her agency, but the incident tarnished her image as fans felt disrespected.
2. Lee Dong-wook's Harsh App Response to a Complaining Fan
Lee Dong-wook, star of "Goblin" and "Tale of the Nine-Tailed," faced criticism in a fan interaction on the Universe app. When a subscriber complained about too many notifications, he replied sharply, "Why did you pay then?" and suggested canceling or muting alerts. Fans called it ironic and arrogant, especially given his known reserved personality, leading to discussions about whether celebrities owe politeness in paid platforms.
3. Kim Yoo-jung's Bored Demeanor at a Film Event
Child star turned leading lady Kim Yoo-jung (Moon Embracing the Sun, Love in the Moonlight) drew ire in December 2016 during a preview screening for "Because I Love You." Attendees noted her leaning casually, checking her nails, and avoiding eye contact during greetings, interpreting it as disinterest and disrespect. Her agency apologized, attributing it to fatigue from illness, but netizens debated if it showed a lack of appreciation for fans' support.
4. Park Hyung-sik's Detached Behavior on Set and in Interviews
Park Hyung-sik (Strong Woman Do Bong-soon, Suits) was called out in 2015 while filming "High Society" for allegedly ignoring fans on set and giving curt, superficial responses to reporters. Media outlets criticized his demeanor as detached and unprofessional, possibly due to immersion in his role. He and his agency issued apologies, citing overload from schedules, and he reaffirmed his gratitude toward fans.
5. Lee Jong-suk's Airport Arm-Jerk Incident
In 2014, Lee Jong-suk (Doctor Stranger, W) was photographed jerking his arm away from a fan at an airport who tugged it to hand over a gift. The image went viral, with netizens accusing him of being cold and ignoring the fan's enthusiasm. His agency explained he was rushing for a flight, holding coffee, and mistook the tug for his manager's, but he apologized for the unintended rudeness.
6. Won Bin's Rushed Photo at a Wedding
Won Bin, famous for "Autumn in My Heart" and films like "The Man from Nowhere," encountered backlash at a wedding where he was hosting. Fans approached for photos, but one complained he only took a quick shot, prioritizing the bride and groom over extended interactions. He clarified spending 20 minutes with fans amid duties, sparking debates on fan entitlement versus his right to personal time.
7. Bae Suzy's Giggling Acceptance Speech at Awards
Bae Suzy (Start-Up, While You Were Sleeping) was criticized in 2013 at the MBC Drama Awards for her Excellence Award speech for "Gu Family Book." Netizens found her swaying, giggling, and seeming unprepared, disrespectful to seniors and fans in attendance. While some defended it as nerves, others saw it as immature and lacking gratitude toward her supporters.
8. Han Ji-hyun Yelling at Paris Fashion Week Audience
Han Ji-hyun (The Penthouse series) faced accusations in a recent incident at Paris Fashion Week, where she allegedly yelled at the audience amid speculation of intoxication. Attendees, including fans, perceived it as rude and unprofessional, leading to online backlash and questions about her public conduct.
