'Real life Squid Game': Kim Sae-ron's death exposes Korea's celebrity culture

The tragic passing of Kim Sae-ron, a 24-year-old actress from South Korea, has sparked a renewed conversation about the pressures faced by celebrities in the entertainment industry. Kim was discovered dead in her home in Seoul, and her death is believed to be a result of the immense emotional distress she experienced following a drink-driving incident in 2022. After this incident, Kim faced a barrage of negative media coverage and online harassment, which experts say is a familiar pattern for many celebrities in South Korea. The entertainment industry, while thriving and popular worldwide, has a darker side that often goes unnoticed. South Korea is home to a hyper-competitive culture that extends beyond just the entertainment sector; it permeates education and various career paths. The country has one of the highest suicide rates among developed nations, and while the overall rate is declining, the number of young people in their 20s taking their own lives is on the rise. This pressure is particularly intense for celebrities, who are expected to maintain a flawless public image and cater to the demands of their fans. The slightest misstep can lead to devastating consequences for their careers. Kim Sae-ron's popularity plummeted to the point where scenes featuring her were edited out of popular shows, including Netflix's 2023 drama Bloodhounds. Korean culture critic Kim Hern-sik emphasized that the punishment celebrities face often extends beyond legal repercussions; they become targets of relentless public scrutiny and criticism. He pointed to the tragic cases of other stars, such as Sulli and Goo Hara, who also succumbed to the pressures of cyberbullying, despite not having any legal issues. Sulli faced backlash for her personal choices, while Goo Hara was targeted due to her relationship with an ex-boyfriend. The phenomenon of cyberbullying has become a lucrative business for some, as YouTubers and news outlets profit from sensationalizing the struggles of celebrities. Kim Hern-sik expressed skepticism that Kim Sae-ron's death would lead to meaningful change in the industry. He argued that stricter laws are needed to combat the spread of harmful comments online. Kim's father has publicly blamed a YouTuber for her death, claiming that the distress caused by their videos contributed to her emotional turmoil. Additionally, some local media outlets have been accused of exacerbating public animosity towards Kim by reporting unverified claims about her. The Citizens' Coalition for Democratic Media, a civic group, has called for an end to the media-driven character assassinations that have become all too common. Na Jong-ho, a psychiatry professor at Yale University, likened the recent spate of celebrity deaths in South Korea to a real-life version of the popular Netflix series Squid Game, where individuals in dire financial situations compete in deadly games for a cash prize. He lamented that society often abandons those who stumble and moves on without a second thought. He questioned how many more lives must be lost before we stop perpetuating this cycle of shame and destruction. While acknowledging that drunk driving is a serious offense, he argued that a society that does not allow for second chances is unhealthy. The BBC previously reported on how fans often try to control the personal lives of their favorite idols, dictating everything from their romantic relationships to their daily activities. This intense scrutiny can lead to severe consequences for celebrities when they deviate from the expectations set by their fans. It is not surprising that Kim Sae-ron chose to withdraw from the public eye following her DUI conviction, for which she was fined a significant amount. However, it is important to note that not all public figures face the same level of scrutiny. Politicians, such as opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, have also faced drink-driving charges but have managed to recover and maintain their public standing. K-pop columnist Jeff Benjamin pointed out that it is extremely challenging for artists in South Korea to bounce back after damaging their 'idol' image. In contrast, Western entertainment industries often allow for scandals to enhance a celebrity's reputation. While the public may not celebrate when a Hollywood star faces legal troubles, such incidents do not typically end their careers. Although the Korean entertainment industry has made strides in addressing mental health concerns among performers, the effectiveness of these initiatives remains uncertain. True change can only occur when there are no longer financial incentives for intrusive reporting and sensationalism. If you or someone you know is affected by the issues discussed in this article, there are resources available to provide support.