K-media/ South Korean media outlets have been called out by netizens, ARMY in particular for misrepresentation, and sensationalist approach to cover high-profile cases, especially K-pop stars.
Seoul: In recent times, South Korea’s media landscape has come under intense scrutiny, often criticized and condemned for its sensationalist approach while dealing with high-profile cases, especially those involving Idols and K-stars. This trend has once again stood at the forefront following the controversial incident surrounding BTS member SUGA involving an electric scooter. A straightforward traffic violation act was turned into a media spectacle, revealing troubling patterns in the way celebrities are targeted and scrutinized.
Following the wine and dine with his friends on the eve of August 6, SUGA, stage name for Min Yoongi, was allegedly involved in a minor accident while riding an electric scooter home. SUGA was reportedly unaware of the DUI law, which involves operating an electric scooter under the influence of alcohol is a breach of driving under the influence (DUI) law. Upon realising the severity of his mistake, he apologized promptly and expressed his deep regrets and redemption for his actions.
However, rather than focusing on the facts and the sincere apology issued by the artist, K-media’s response has been anything but measured and disappointing. In the rush to cover the story, they skipped their responsibility of fact-checking and verifying key details, such as messing up with the vehicle involved. The electric scooter involved was reported as a kickboard, later issued a correction article.
The haste reporting and publishing sensationalized stories resulted in confusion, misrepresentation and dissemination of fake news. Compounded by a prominent news outlet airing incorrect CCTV recordings, which further fueled the public’s frenzy. Only after being fact-checked by another counterpart, the newsroom issued an apology- an apology that too came a week late.
The disproportionate media coverage of SUGA’s incident highlights a broader issue within the South Korean media industry: a disturbing tendency to prioritize Sensationalism over responsible and credible journalism. This problem doesn’t end with global star SUGA but similar patterns were witnessed during the coverage of the tragic death of “Parasite” actor Lee Sun Kyun and the alleged drug case involving K-pop star G Dragon, a BIGBANG member. Both the cases mark examples of being marred by relentless media scrutiny that overshadowed the truth and ignored the human impact of such coverage.
The biased media treatment is more than apparent when comparing SUGA’s incident to other cases involving prominent public figures. For instance, Jang Won Sam, a well known former baseball player, was also involved in a DUI case around the same time as SUGA’s incident. Evidently despite his alcohol level being high enough to revoke his license, the media coverage of Jang’s case was too brief and far less sensationalized. This discrepancies raises questions on the fairness of not only media outlets but the profession as whole. It also raises doubt towards the motives behind such uneven media attention.
In another instance, the media has been too busy to report celebrity missteps that it lacks attention to far more serious issues. Minimal coverage of recent reports of illegal, sexually exploitative deepfake AI images being circulated in secret Telegram chat rooms allegedly by more than 100 men across the country, raises eyebrows on professionalism.
Despite SUGA’s repeated apologies, two apology letters and a bow in front of the media, the press continues to hound him, as if crafting a narrative of character assassination. The case serves as a stark reminder of the need for reform in how the media represents celebrity news. Celebrities, like any other individual, deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, rather than being reduced to being fodder for sensational headlines.
