Kim Hee Chul, known for his candid and straightforward personality, has navigated various controversies throughout his long career in the entertainment industry. Here's a look at how he has confronted and overcome these challenges.
Kim Hee Chul, famous for his wide connections in the entertainment world and his honest, outspoken nature, has faced numerous rumors and controversies. How has he managed to overcome these challenges throughout his extensive career?
One persistent rumor is that Kim Hee Chul acted as a 'matchmaker' for idol couples. Online, rumors spread that he helped form many celebrity couples, or that these couples used Kim Hee Chul as a shield to date freely.
As an idol and TV personality actively working in the industry, Kim Hee Chul initially maintained a cautious stance. However, in 2017, he finally addressed the ongoing rumors with an angry outburst, capturing public attention. He expressed his frustration, saying, "After years of this, I'm really pissed off," and openly shared his displeasure about being labeled a 'matchmaker.' Fans supported him, recognizing the toll these persistent rumors had taken.
Around the same time, he was also accused of misogyny. Controversy arose over some lyrics in a song he released, which were claimed to carry misogynistic messages.
Kim Hee Chul directly clarified the lyrics, stating, "It's not about men being bad or women being bad. Bad people are bad. To call me misogynistic is absurd. I respect everyone regardless of profession, gender, or age. I love all normal women and men in this world," thus expressing his belief in equality and respect.
He also addressed rumors about his sexual orientation. In a web show with Jang Keun Suk last year, he discussed the "gay rumors" that emerged about 20 years ago, stating, "Among my fans, there are men who like men and women who like women. I didn't think it needed clarification, but now I feel I should."
Recently, a new rumor emerged involving Kim Hee Chul's private life. There were malicious rumors that he and some NCT members visited host bars in Japan, prompting fans to demand clarification.
Kim Hee Chul responded, saying, "I've reported this to my company to avoid causing any trouble. To avoid worry or disappointment, let me clarify: I've never met or dined out with our company juniors, not even having their contact information," thus dismissing the rumors.
SM Entertainment, his agency, also addressed the malicious rumors, stating, "Baseless and provocative rumors are being recklessly spread and reproduced online. We have confirmed that these are completely untrue and severely damaging to the artist's reputation, constituting a criminal act," and announced plans for strong legal action.
SEE ALSO: Kim Heechul addresses rumors: 'Never drank with SM junior artists in Japan'
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The picture that was shown as "proof" was taken on June 2023 when he and a group of friends celebrated his and his friend's BD together in a cafe in Japan. There were some of his friends wives present as well. Here are two pictures uploaded by his friend Gunhee about the event. This is clear a fabricated narrative, look at date. In fact the all narrative involving NCT members with Heechul is fake.