Top 10 K-pop Controversies of 2024: Taeil’s Assault Case, Seunghan’s Departure from RIIZE, and Other Shocking Events!

As we look back on 2024, K-pop fans experienced an eventful year brimming with shocking scandals that left many in disbelief. From Suga’s DUI incident to Seunghan’s departure from RIIZE, and LE SSERAFIM’s Coachella performance faux pas, the K-pop scene continuously surprised and captivated us.

Join us as we explore the 10 most explosive controversies that made K-pop the talk of the town this unforgettable year!

Aespa’s Karina Issues Apology for Relationship with Lee Jae Wook

The romantic relationship between Aespa’s Karina and actor Lee Jae Wook threw both K-pop and K-drama fans into a frenzy. After Dispatch broke the news on February 27, the agencies representing both stars quickly confirmed their date.

Sources claim the pair met at a Prada Fashion Show in January, where sparks reportedly flew instantly. However, the revelation was met with significant backlash from fans. In light of the controversy, Karina addressed her fans in an extensive apology.

Sadly, their romance was short-lived, lasting only five weeks due to the intense negative comments directed at them.

Seunghan’s RIIZE Comeback Versus OT6 Fan Backlash

RIIZE Seunghan Writes to BRIIZEs Following News of Return, Addresses Past Controversy: 'I Will Work Hard...' — RIIZE Seunghan

On October 11, RIIZE fans rejoiced as Seunghan announced his return after an 11-month hiatus. He had initially stepped away following the leak of scandalous pre-debut photos showing him in compromising situations.

During his absence, a faction of fans, known as OT6, staged protests including sending funeral wreaths to SM Entertainment, demanding Seunghan’s exit from the group. However, just two days after the announcement of his comeback, he was declared to be leaving the group permanently, much to the dismay of his supporters.

The incident spurred widespread discussion regarding fan behavior and the pressures idols face, particularly around their image and public perception. Meanwhile, Seunghan is set to embark on a solo career, with a debut planned for 2025.

Hyeri and Han So Hee’s Feud Over Ryu Jun Yeol

November 2023 saw the shocking split of Hyeri and Ryu Jun Yeol after a seven-year relationship famously celebrated within the K-drama community. Tensions resurfaced in March 2024 with reports of Ryu being sighted in Hawaii with actress Han So Hee.

In response to the news, Hyeri unfollowed Ryu on Instagram and posted a vague message hinting at her feelings on the situation. Han So Hee retaliated with a cryptic social media post that further escalated the drama.

Subsequently, Ryu’s relationship with Han So Hee was confirmed, but the two reportedly ended things just weeks later, adding more fuel to the public’s intrigue and scrutiny regarding the actor amidst ongoing relationship controversies.

LE SSERAFIM Under Fire for Their Live Vocal Performance

LE SSERAFIM made their debut at Coachella on April 13 and 20, but instead of the anticipated celebration, the performance drew severe backlash for their live vocals. Fans expressed disappointment after their 40-minute set, resulting in swift criticism across social platforms.

Following the negative response, leader Kim Chaewon issued an apology, acknowledging they were too excited and allowed the performance to suffer as a result. “This experience reinforced how much there is still to learn,”she remarked.

Jennie Faces Criticism for Indoor Smoking Incident

In July, BLACKPINK’s Jennie was seen vaping indoors, which prompted swift backlash from fans. This incident occurred in a now-deleted vlog filmed during her hair and makeup sessions in Capri, Italy.

While indoor smoking is prohibited in South Korea, Italy does not enforce such strict regulations, yet it ignited heated discussions on social media about her actions. On July 9, Jennie publicly apologized via her label, ODDATELIER.

NewJeans and ADOR’s Long-Running Dispute

September was marked by NewJeans taking bold steps to address alleged mistreatment by HYBE and ADOR during a live broadcast. The girls claimed to have faced workplace bullying and called for the reinstatement of former CEO Min Hee Jin, which faced rejection despite her eventual reappointment as an internal director.

Hanni brought further attention to the issue during a state assembly meeting on workplace harassment, recounting discriminatory encounters with company personnel. Following this, NewJeans terminated their contracts with ADOR in November, asserting they were subjected to severe harassment post-departure.

In a twist to the saga, ADOR insisted the contracts remained intact, leading to ongoing legal and public disputes.

HyunA and Yong Junhyung’s Troubles Amid Scandal

The romantic relationship between HyunA and Yong Junhyung has been under scrutiny since they were linked in 2023 due to his rumored association with the controversial Burning Sun case. Fans felt conflicted over HyunA’s relationship with someone embroiled in a scandal dedicated to abuse and exploitation.

The situation reignited when a documentary explored the Burning Sun case in May 2024, placing further concern on Yong’s involvement. Ultimately, after confirming their marriage in October, both remained out of the public eye amidst ongoing backlash.

Suga’s DUI Incident and Follow-Up

Suga’s summer took a turn on August 7 when news broke of his DUI investigation after riding a scooter while intoxicated. Reports indicated that he was found in Hannam-dong following an incident of falling from the scooter while under the influence.

As he faced the consequences, Suga expressed remorse through Weverse, penning heartfelt apologies to fans and acknowledging the distress caused to BTS’s reputation. The police confirmed that no further legal action would be taken against him by August 26.

Jessi’s Fan Assault Controversy

In a troubling incident in October, Jessi faced considerable backlash after being seen on CCTV fleeing a scene where her acquaintance assaulted a fan. The “Cold Blooded”artist defended herself in an Instagram post, explaining her unexpected exit due to shock.

The interaction sparked further outcry when the victim’s mother criticized Jessi’s response as evasive. Under the pressure, Jessi opted to terminate her contract with DOD.

Taeil’s Departure Amid Sexual Crime Allegations

August 28 marked a pivotal moment as SM Entertainment announced Taeil’s exit from NCT following allegations of involvement in a serious sexual crime. The company stated that the gravity of the allegations warranted his removal from the group.

As investigations proceeded, specific charges like quasi-rape emerged, with reports suggesting that victims engaged were under the influence. Ultimately, SM Entertainment terminated Taeil’s contract on October 15, sealing the end of his career with the group.

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