In 2025, Korea's entertainment industry saw dizzying highs and devastating lows. While buzzworthy projects and star power dominated headlines, an unending stream of controversies and scandals gripped the public. From bitter legal battles and DUI accusations to prosecution referrals over unregistered one-person agencies—and even a shock retirement following revelations of a juvenile criminal record—the year laid bare how a single choice can spark massive consequences. As star power grew, so did the weight of responsibility. With heavyweight scandals erupting one after another at year's end, here's K-snapp's roundup of a year where fortunes swung wildly. <Editor's note>
This year, actors, variety stars, and singers were at the center of nonstop incidents both big and small. Actor Kim Soo-hyun was swept into controversy over allegations of dating the late Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor—fallout that led Disney+'s highly anticipated original 'Knock-Off' to halt filming indefinitely. Meanwhile, Cho Jin-woong admitted he had concealed a juvenile criminal record and ultimately announced his retirement, leaving fans stunned. As shocking hidden sides of once-beloved stars came to light, public disillusionment deepened. Here are the scandals that shook K-entertainment throughout the year.
◆ Knock-Off star Kim Soo-hyun faces legal war with Kim Sae-ron's family… 12 billion KRW damages claim
It's been about 10 months since the death of actor Kim Sae-ron, yet the clash over allegations that she and Kim Soo-hyun dated while she was underage remains unresolved. With the family and Kim's side locked in a standoff, the credibility of released materials and recordings—and the possibility of legal determination—remain in limbo as debate rages on.
The controversy traces back to March 24, 2024, when Kim Sae-ron posted a photo with Kim Soo-hyun on her Instagram Stories, sparking questions about their relationship. At the time, Kim's agency Gold Medalist drew a hard line, stating the dating rumors were "groundless."
But after Kim Sae-ron passed away on February 16 this year, everything changed. On March 10, her family appeared on YouTube channel HoverLab Inc. (hereafter HoverLab Inc.) to claim "Kim Sae-ron dated Kim Soo-hyun for about six years starting when she was a minor," releasing photos, text messages, and letters. They also alleged she was under psychological pressure, including a content-certified letter demanding repayment of a 700 million KRW penalty to her former agency Gold Medalist—pressure they say contributed to her tragic decision. A press conference and additional disclosures followed. The family then escalated by releasing an audio recording that they said supported underage dating claims. Kim's side initially denied dating altogether, but later held a press conference revising their stance: "We did date, but only after she became an adult in 2019."
Kim Sae-ron's family subsequently filed a complaint accusing Kim Soo-hyun of violating the Child Welfare Act, arguing there were circumstances indicating an underage relationship. In response, Kim's side countersued the family and HoverLab Inc. operators for defamation, Information and Communications Network Act violations, and the Anti-Stalking Act, and also filed a civil suit seeking a total of 12 billion KRW in damages over alleged false claims.
Tensions reignited recently when Kim Sae-ron's mother unveiled new materials, including a recorded statement from an acquaintance, a memo Sae-ron wrote before Kim Soo-hyun's military enlistment, 2018 KakaoTalk chats, photos believed to have been taken at Kim's home, and an undelivered letter. The National Forensic Service concluded it was "inconclusive" on the authenticity of the key audio file. With facts still shrouded in uncertainty, some point out the fight is drifting into a battle for public opinion rather than legal judgment.
The fallout battered Kim Soo-hyun's career. Overseas brand event schedules were canceled, and his segments on MBC's variety show 'Good Day' were heavily edited out. Disney+'s original series 'Knock-Off,' slated as his next project, has also been postponed indefinitely. Separately from the dispute with the family, advertisers have filed damage claims against him as well.
◆ Unregistered 'one-person agencies' spark probes, from Sung Si-kyung to Ock Joo-hyun… cases referred to prosecutors
Legal and regulatory issues surrounding one-person agencies flashed warning signs across the industry. As agencies operated without registering under the Popular Culture and Arts Industry Development Act—or claimed ignorance of the rules—repeat violations highlighted systemic problems in the business.
Seol Kyung-gu's one-person agency 'Actors99,' founded in July, was reportedly also unregistered under the popular culture and arts planning business category. Industry sources say the company has no employees beyond Seol himself, failing to meet registration requirements. Under current rules, even a one-person agency cannot register unless it manages more than just one actor and employs experienced professionals such as managers registered for at least two years with bodies like the Korea Management Federation. Seol's side said, "We're preparing to register and are hiring staff."
On the 10th, police said singer Sung Si-kyung's older sister and his agency SK Jaewon were referred to prosecutors without detention for alleged violations of the Act. Investigators determined his sister and the corporation operated an agency without proper registration. However, they decided not to forward Sung himself due to insufficient evidence that he directly ran the company.
Although SK Jaewon was established in February 2011, the fact it never registered its popular culture and arts planning business only surfaced recently, sparking controversy. The agency explained it failed to recognize that the obligation to register began with the Act's enactment in January 2014, and says it has now completed registration.
Musical actor-singer Ock Joo-hyun was also accused of operating her TOI Entertainment without registering as a popular culture and arts planning business, and was referred to prosecutors without detention on the 27th of last month. She has since publicly apologized and begun the registration process. Others—like actor Gang Dong-won, trot singer Song Ga-in, Kim Wan-sun, and Sung Si-kyung—have also faced scrutiny over unregistered one-person agencies. Most agencies said they "didn't fully understand the rules" and are now completing registrations.
◆ "Massive burden on everyone" — Cho Jin-woong announces retirement…Signal 2 release now uncertain
Actor Cho Jin-woong's revealed juvenile record has sent shockwaves through the industry. On the 5th, allegations surfaced that he received juvenile protective measures for crimes committed as a teen; after partially acknowledging the claims, he announced his retirement just a day later, on the 6th. He strongly denied any involvement in sex crimes.
Dispatch reported that as a minor, Cho was subjected to juvenile protection for theft and driving without a license, and that as an adult he was allegedly involved in assault and drunk driving. Some outlets revisited past robbery and rape cases, further inflaming the controversy.
Cho debuted in the film Once Upon a Time in High School and rose to prominence through substantial supporting roles. He became widely known to the public via the drama My Too Perfect Sons. He went on to star in box-office hits like Nameless Gangster: Rules of the Time, The Admiral: Roaring Currents, Assassination, and Believer, and earned critical acclaim through dramas such as Signal and Karma, cementing his status as a leading Chungmuro actor. Often cast as investigators and principled cops rooting out corruption, he built an image as a "conscientious actor."
After the scandal broke, Cho acknowledged and apologized through his agency People Entertainment, saying, "It's true I did wrong when I was a minor." He drew a firm line, however, denying involvement in sexual assault. "I sincerely apologize to those I harmed and to everyone I've disappointed," he said.
Broadcasting has taken a direct hit. tvN's Second Signal (working title), a pre-produced series in which Cho plays a pivotal role, has had its scheduling thrown into doubt. The sequel to the 2016 hit Signal was targeting a 2026 release, but producers now say they're "seeking the best possible solution," with no clear timeline. Given Cho's central role, reshoots or salvaging the project through editing may be extremely difficult.
Industry watchers estimate Cho's penalties could reach as high as 10 billion KRW, depending on contract terms and where responsibility is assigned. The fall of a onetime "icon of trust" has dealt a heavy blow across K-entertainment.
◆ Park Na-rae to SHINee's Key: The 'Injection Aunt' scandal forces mass exits
Starting with comedian Park Na-rae, multiple celebrities—including SHINee's Key and creator IpJjalbeun Haetnim—have been accused of receiving illegal medical procedures from an unlicensed provider, identified only as "A," nicknamed the "Injection Aunt." As the controversy spread, A's Instagram activity and following list went viral, putting some stars under suspicion even before facts were confirmed.
The issue surfaced during disputes between Park Na-rae and her former managers. She allegedly visited A's officetel in Ilsan, Goyang, where she and other celebrities received IV drips for fatigue, triggering a firestorm. Additional allegations claimed Park obtained psychotropic medications via A without prescriptions—or through proxy prescriptions under a manager's name—prompting the Korean Medical Association to call for a formal investigation into illegal medical practices.
As the scandal grew, A's social posts also drew scrutiny. A photo of SHINee Key's pet and a signed CD from Onew fueled suspicion, but Onew's side explained on the 11th: "In April 2022, on a friend's recommendation, we visited a clinic in Sinsa-dong where A worked. Given the clinic's scale, there was no reason to doubt licensing." They added, "The visit was for skin care, and the signed CD was a token of thanks." Key, who had stayed silent due to an overseas tour, said on the 17th, "I was shocked and confused by new information," adding that he would pause activities to reflect and fully cooperate.
Food YouTuber IpJjalbeun Haetnim, who appeared with Park and Key on tvN's Amazing Saturday, was also implicated. They admitted, "I did receive anti-swelling meds at a clinic where A worked, but it had nothing to do with diet pills or IVs," and then halted activities. Broadcaster Jun Hyun-moo was dragged into the debate when a 2016 episode of MBC's I Live Alone resurfaced showing him receiving an IV in a car, raising medical law questions. His team released medical records, revenue logs, and medical waste return receipts, stating it was "a lawful procedure based on the medical team's judgment."
The controversy even touched singer Hong Jin-young. A photo spreading online sparked rumors of involvement, which her side immediately denied: "The photo appears to have been taken around 12 years ago at a hospital, and Hong does not even remember the person pictured with her." The agency added there were "no social media connections or personal ties," urging people to stop speculating.
As explanations and rebuttals continue, the industry is sounding alarms about illegal procedures—and about rumor-mongering that spreads unverified claims. All eyes are on how far the 'Injection Aunt' scandal will go.