In 2019, the South Korean entertainment industry was rocked by the Burning Sun scandal, implicating several famous K-pop idols. These stars were found sharing explicit videos in a KakaoTalk chat group, many of which were secretly recorded without consent. The scandal was named after the nightclub Burning Sun, associated with former BIGBANG member Seungri.
Five years later, the controversy is back in the spotlight due to a recent BBC documentary. Here’s an update on the lives of the idols involved:
Jung Joon Young
Jung Joon Young (koreaboo.com)
Jung Joon Young was convicted of raping a woman with Choi Jong Hoon in Daegu and distributing illegal videos. Initially sentenced to six years, his sentence was reduced to five. Released on March 19, 2024, Jung Joon Young has since disappeared from the public eye and the entertainment industry.
Seungri (Former BIGBANG)
Seungri at the birthday event singing BIGBANG songs (instagram.com/seungriswetdream)
Seungri, implicated in managing a club involved in prostitution and revenge porn, was sentenced to three years in prison. His sentence was reduced, and he was released after 18 months in February 2023. Post-release, Seungri has been seen traveling and attending various events, stirring controversy for appearing at parties and singing BIGBANG songs.
Cho Jong Hoon (Former FT Island)
Choi Jong Hoon (youtube.com/thefact2002)
Cho Jong Hoon was jailed for 2.5 years and released in November 2021. He initially promised to step away from entertainment but launched a fan community in Japan, drawing public ire for not keeping his word.
Yong Jun Hyung (Ex-HIGHLIGHT)
Yong Jun Hyung and HyunA (pannchoa.com)
Though not fully involved, Yong Jun Hyung admitted to watching the videos shared in the group. He left HIGHLIGHT in 2019 and focused on his military service and solo career. Recently, he has faced criticism for dating fellow K-pop star HyunA.
Lee Jong Hyun (Ex-CNBLUE)
Lee Jong Hyun ex CNBLUE (koreaboo.com)
Lee Jong Hyun admitted to watching the illicit videos but did not share any. He left CNBLUE in 2019 and has remained out of the public eye since.
Eddy Kim
Eddy Kim (instagram.com/soulquaker_)
Eddy Kim confessed to sharing inappropriate content but did not face imprisonment. He has gradually returned to the music scene, releasing new songs and participating in soundtracks over the past year.
The Burning Sun scandal is a stark reminder of the dark side of fame and the importance of accountability. While it’s understandable that some idols might want to resume their careers, it’s crucial to consider the impact on the victims and public sentiment. The return of these idols to the entertainment industry is met with mixed reactions, highlighting the need for a balance between forgiveness and justice. As a blogger and fan, I believe it’s vital for the industry to prioritize ethical behavior and support for victims while navigating the complex terrain of public redemption and personal growth.
