As of February 25, Korean celebrities who have faced serious controversies at home are finding success abroad. Seungri, former member of Big Bang, singer-actor Park Yoochun, and (Jessica H.o.) Jessi—who was recently embroiled in a scandal involving an alleged assault incident—continue to engage in business, performances, and fan meetings overseas, despite being largely shunned in South Korea.
Seungri: From Scandal to International Businessman?
Seungri was the central figure in the 2019 ‘Burning Sun’ scandal, facing charges including assault, prostitution mediation, and habitual gambling. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison and released in February 2023. Since then, he has not returned to the Korean entertainment scene, but images and reports of his international activities continue to surface on social media and online communities.
Seungri has been seen attending luxury brand events and networking with high-profile figures. Some online users even speculate that he is earning more than G-Dragon, another BIGBANG member. Dressed sharply in a suit, he appears to have transformed into an international businessman. However, many Korean fans remain critical, questioning whether he has shown any real remorse for his past actions.
Adding fuel to the fire, rumors suggest that Seungri reached out to acquaintances about visiting clubs post-release, and he has been seen enjoying parties abroad. His mention of former BIGBANG members in social settings further intensifies criticism, with many believing he has not taken any meaningful steps toward self-reflection.
Park Yoochun: From Drug Scandal to Japanese Fan Meetings
Once a beloved member of TVXQ andJYJ, Park Yoochun was convicted of methamphetamine use in 2019, receiving a 10-month prison sentence with a two-year probation. Before his conviction, he had publicly vowed to retire from the entertainment industry if the allegations were proven true, making his subsequent return to the spotlight all the more controversial.
Adding to the backlash, Park was recently revealed to owe over 400 million KRW (about $278,750) in unpaid taxes. Despite these scandals, he remains active in Japan, hosting fan meetings in Tokyo and Fukuoka. His merchandise and tickets reportedly sell at high prices, demonstrating his continued appeal among Japanese fans.
While he smiles in recent photos, the reaction from Korean fans is overwhelmingly negative. Many point out the contradiction in his actions, as he promised to step away from entertainment but continues to profit from his overseas fanbase.
Jessi: Resuming Activities After Assault Scandal
Jessi, who took a hiatus from activities in Korea following allegations of enabling an assault, recently resumed her career on the international stage. The controversy erupted last September when a man in her entourage assaulted a minor fan in Seoul’s Apgujeong district. Although Jessi appeared to intervene, she ultimately left the scene without fully stopping the incident, leading to accusations that she turned a blind eye.
Her claim that she did not know the assailant was quickly debunked when it was revealed that he was connected to a well-known producer she frequently worked with. The backlash was severe, and despite issuing an apology, Jessi effectively disappeared from the Korean entertainment scene.
However, on February 24, she shared photos from her Manila concert, wearing a bold red outfit and captioning, "Thank you for your energy, Manila." This marks her return to performances, suggesting that she is prioritizing her international career over addressing lingering concerns in Korea.
Controversy Abroad, Profit Regardless
Seungri, Park Yoochun, and Jessi have all faced significant public condemnation in Korea. Yet, they continue to build their careers and wealth beyond their home country’s borders. While Korean public opinion remains firm in rejecting them, the global entertainment industry presents opportunities for them to thrive.
In the end, these former K-pop stars appear to have chosen profit over redemption. Rather than sincere reflection or efforts to regain trust, they have opted to bypass Korea’s scrutiny in favor of international success. As reports of their lucrative ventures overseas surface, the disappointment among Korean fans only deepens, raising the question: Is there true accountability in the entertainment world, or is it simply a matter of finding a new audience?
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