A journalist from OSEN has raised concerns regarding the recent media frenzy surrounding actor Kim Soo Hyun. The article expressed that the current “issue-making” movement against Kim Soo Hyun has been a constant issue in the Korean entertainment industry with many celebrity victims, including the late Kim Sae Ron and Lee Sun Gyun. The following is a translation of the OSEN article.
The YouTube channel HOVERLAB (Garo Sero Research Institute) has been relentlessly exposing allegations against actor Kim Soo Hyun in connection to the late Kim Sae Ron’s passing. With growing negative public sentiment, concerns have been raised as Kim Soo Hyun is reportedly experiencing severe anxiety.
The channel has been soliciting donations under the pretense of “helping Kim Sae Ron and her family,” even providing direct bank account details for financial contributions. On a broadcast aired on the evening of March 14, they openly declared their goal of reaching one million subscribers.
Numerous celebrities have fallen victim to these cyber wrecker channels in the past, including Jang Won Young of IVE, NewJeans, and YouTuber Tzuyang. Notably, actor Lee Sun Gyun took his own life last year after facing relentless online harassment stemming from such channels. Sensationalist reporting, disguised as the public’s “right to know,” often fuels malicious comments and amplifies controversies, perpetuating a cycle of media exploitation. This unethical practice continues to be a serious moral issue.
Now, Kim Soo Hyun is experiencing a similar fallout, with the controversy already impacting his commercial endorsements and upcoming projects. The variety show ‘Good Day‘ is also under scrutiny. As he becomes the target of a media frenzy, concerns for his safety have been raised. Even a person claiming to be Kim Sae Ron’s mother, whom HOVERLAB has referenced, expressed fears that “Kim Soo Hyun might be pushed to an extreme decision (of taking his own life).”
Despite these concerns, HOVERLAB continues to escalate the issue, stating, “We won’t release the ‘washing dishes photo’ today because we feel sorry for him,” while also warning that they are “currently persuading the family” and that “if they agree, we will release a video.” This ongoing media campaign has resulted in the late actress’s name being repeatedly circulated online.
