Herald Economics criticized the media for reporting Kim Seon-ho’s controversy based on unauthorized sources
The Korean news site Herald Economics has recently posted an article discussing the media’s role in reporting artists’ scandals.
The entertainment business is a product of collaboration and is characterized by its high investment. If something controversial happens to the artist, the loss is enormous. Ji-soo, who was at the time already the male protagonist of the drama “River Where the Moon Rises,” experienced it after his past as a school violence perpetrator was revealed. “Hometown Chachacha” actor Kim Seon-ho‘s private life controversy is also a case that attracts attention from netizens.
Looking at Kim Seon-ho’s case, it can be seen that the role of the media has become much larger than before, which is not really a good thing. The media played an excessive role more than necessary, and it can create chaos as well.
Actor K’s ex-girlfriend, A, posted on an online community on October 17th, calling him out for forcing her to have an abortion. Kim Seon-ho, who was pointed out as an actor K, apologized,to which A said, “I received his apology, and I think there was a misunderstanding,” and the dispute between the parties seemed to end.
However, the media continued to dig in and try to examine the true personality of both sides, which has crossed the line. It is good to correct the wrong information, but it was unreasonable to conclude based on the reports of acquaintances and the contents of KakaoTalk conversations that were exchanged privately between Kim Seon-ho and his ex-girlfriend A.
This unreasonable move got worse as established media reported YouTube content, which is not a faithful source compared to existing media. Personal opinions and emotions may be involved, just like how political YouTubers do not hesitate to raise their side and crush their opponents. In addition, YouTube is a means of making money via the subscription system. In order to increase the number of subscribers, YouTubers do not hesitate to say provocative things.
The problem is that it is reported as it is the truth and used in articles. This was also the case during the controversy over Kim Seon-ho’s controversy. Many articles were written using YouTube as a source, including reports pointing out Kim Seon-ho to be actor K. When this stage is reached, only gossip and stimulation are left. At this point, the “Kim Seon-ho’s Private Life Controversy” has become a “Reports on Kim Seon-ho’s Incident.” It is a matter for established media that are blind to breaking news to think about.
In a hyperconnected society created by Netflix and YouTube, K-drama is a global business. The scandal of one actor alone can cause damage to investors, distributors, actors and staff who participated in a production together. Kim Seon-ho’s case is leaving a lesson that the reports should be cautious and accurate.
