The glittering world of K-dramas often hides a harsh reality where scandals can lead to swift blacklisting, lost endorsements, and career derailments. In South Korea's unforgiving entertainment industry, public image is everything, and controversies ranging from personal misconduct to legal troubles have toppled even the biggest stars.
This list highlights 10 actors and actresses whose missteps triggered massive backlash, drawing from recent and historical cases that shook fans and the industry alike.
1. Seo Ye-ji (It's Okay to Not Be Okay)
Seo Ye-ji faced explosive allegations in 2021 of gaslighting her then-boyfriend Kim Jung-hyun, bullying schoolmates, abusing staff, and falsifying academic credentials. She was dropped from the drama Island, lost multiple endorsement deals including Inner Flora and Aer, and her 2022 comeback "Eve" flopped amid ongoing backlash, leading to a prolonged hiatus and faded career prospects.
2. Kim Jung-hyun (Crash Landing on You)
Kim Jung-hyun's 2018 behavior on the set of "Time" refusing skinship scenes, avoiding co-star Seohyun, and abruptly exiting the drama—sparked outrage when linked to manipulation by ex-girlfriend Seo Ye-ji. The scandal forced script rewrites, damaged his reputation, and led to a career break, though he later returned with hits like Queen of Tears amid lingering criticism.
3. Ji Soo (River Where the Moon Rises)
In 2021, Ji Soo was accused of school bullying, sexual harassment, and assault by multiple alleged victims, prompting immediate backlash. He was removed from "River Where the Moon Rises" mid-production, faced potential lawsuits for damages up to US$2.7 million, and has since been effectively blacklisted with no major projects.
4. Yoo Ah-in (Hellbound)
Yoo Ah-in's 2023 drug scandal involved testing positive for multiple illegal substances, including over 73 non-medical propofol injections, leading to detention and trials. Projects like "Hellbound Season 2" and "The Match" were canceled or recast, resulting in blacklisting and severe career damage despite his prior acclaim.
5. Kim Soo-hyun (My Love from the Star)
In 2025, Kim Soo-hyun faced intense backlash over allegations of dating the late Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor, resurfacing after her death in February. Brands dropped him, projects like "Knock Off halted," and public outrage threatened his A-list status in a major career setback.
6. Kim Sae-ron (The Man from Nowhere)
Kim Sae-ron's career derailed after a 2022 DUI incident, compounded by 2025 revelations of her alleged underage relationship with Kim Soo-hyun. She was blacklisted, lost contracts, and faced ongoing scrutiny, tragically culminating in her passing amid the intensified backlash.
7. Cho Jin-woong (Signal)
In 2025, Cho Jin-woong was hit with revelations of juvenile robbery, sexual assault, drink driving, and assaulting a colleague, leading to immediate retirement. Broadcasters removed his content, including re-recording narrations and shelving a TV series sequel, marking a complete industry exile.
8. Han Ji-sun (Stock Struck)
Han Ji-sun was blacklisted in 2019 after assaulting a taxi driver and police officers while intoxicated, sparking public outrage. She was dropped from ongoing projects, faced legal consequences, and has since vanished from the industry with no comeback in sight.
9. Kim Hyun-joong (Boys Over Flowers)
Kim Hyun-joong endured backlash from 2014 assault allegations against his ex-girlfriend, involving physical abuse and a paternity scandal. He lost endorsements, faced lawsuits, and his career stalled, though he attempted minor comebacks amid persistent fan division and industry wariness.
10. Lee Kyung-young (A Gentleman's Dignity)
In 2002, Lee Kyung-young was convicted of an illicit relationship with a minor, leading to imprisonment and blacklisting. Despite later returns to minor roles, the scandal permanently tarnished his reputation, limiting major opportunities in the industry.
