Korean entertainment was rocked when private sex chats between actors Jang Dong-gun and Joo Jin-mo were leaked, exposing 700 messages detailing prostitution arrangements and sex parties.
The two actors, friends for over a decade and long regarded as “ideal gentlemen” in the industry, saw their pristine images collapse overnight.
The scandal first emerged in January 2020 after a massive phone hacking attack targeted several celebrities. Hackers demanded ransom ranging from 50 million to 1 billion won (approximately $37,000–$740,000 USD) and threatened to release sensitive private data.
Joo Jin-mo had publicly challenged the hackers, refusing to pay, which reportedly provoked them into leaking messages revealing transactions with young models, beauty queens, and other celebrities, including arranging sex parties.
Screenshots circulated widely on social media, showing Jang Dong-gun and Joo Jin-mo discussing which women to approach, including a 21-year-old DJ and motorcycle model named Siena.
Further revelations showed Jang Dong-gun allegedly proposing a sex party with married women in their 30s, including commentary about women in inappropriate ways. The scandal emerged while Jang Dong-gun’s wife, Go So-young, was pregnant with their second child, sparking public outrage.
Despite being victims of hackers themselves, both actors faced severe backlash. Netizens called for boycotts, and the wives of both stars endured intense public scrutiny. Go So-young and Min Hye-yeon, Joo Jin-mo’s spouse, reportedly deleted or restricted their social media accounts to avoid harassment.
Legal action against the hackers concluded in February 2020, with sentences ranging from 2.5 to 5 years in prison. However, Jang Dong-gun and Joo Jin-mo’s reputations were irreparably damaged. Both went into hiatus: Jang Dong-gun struggled with insomnia and marital tensions, while Joo Jin-mo lost all acting opportunities and industry support.
The scandal remains one of the most shocking exposures in Korean showbiz history, illustrating how private misconduct and digital vulnerabilities can destroy public images overnight.
Sources: kenh14
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