Is the size of one’s controversy proportional to the number of their SNS followers?
The SNS followers number of actor Kim Seon-ho, who has been embroiled in controversy over his private life, is increasing rapidly.
Kim Seon-ho, who was a rising star after tvN’s “Hometown Cha Cha Cha“, got himself involved in a huge controversy as he was pointed out as the main character of the exposing article, “I accuse the dual and shameless real-life characteristics of a popular actor K” posted on the online community Nate Pann on Oct 17th. A, who posted that article on the community, claimed that she was the ex-girlfriend of actor K and that she had been forced to abort under the guise of a marriage. As the controversy grew, Kim Seon-ho admitted to the suspicion and apologized three days after the disclosure.
The broadcasting and advertising industry have responded quickly. Kim Seon-ho got dropped out of KBS2’s entertainment show “Two Days One Night“ and three movies he was preparing for, as well as SNS accounts of brands he was advertising for.
However, even though the broadcasting and advertising industries are eager to “get rid of Kim Seon-ho”, fans’ trust and love for him seem to be strengthening. Despite the controversy, the number of his SNS followers rather surged noticeably. As of 3 p.m. on Oct 18th, his Instagram followers were 7.35 million, but in about 7 days, it surged by nearly 120,000 to more than 7.49 million.
On Oct 23rd, a supportive post created by Kim Seon-ho’s fandom with the title “Kim Seon-ho’s Cheering Letter” was uploaded onto an online community. “Since you’ve been our strength so far, it’s our turn to be your strength now. We will always be waiting for your comeback, whenever it will be. But please don’t get sick. You are our light and hope.”
In addition, fans also posted hashtags such as “#I_support_KimSeonho” and “#I_trust_KimSeonho” on SNS, expressing their firm faith in the actor. Regarding KBS’s “Two Days One Night”, there were well over 100 petitions opposing Kim Seon-ho’s departure. Among them, more than 36,800 viewers agreed to sign the petition.
Meanwhile, the situation is taking a new turn as entertainment media Dispatch reported an article titled “Kim Seon-ho, 12 Distorted Truths” to accuse Kim Seon-ho’s ex-girlfriend of spreading false facts through her post.
