The Hidden Scandal of K-Pop Stars

Overview

• The scandal involves K-Pop stars leading double lives, engaging in criminal activities including drugging, raping, and humiliating women.
• The crimes were revealed through leaked secret messages.
• Journalist Kang Kyung-yoon and others worked to uncover and report the truth despite immense challenges and personal risk.

Key Individuals

Journalists

• Kang Kyung-yoon: Entertainment journalist who received leaked KakaoTalk messages.
• Park Hyo-sil: First journalist to report Jung's accusation in 2016.

K-Pop Stars

• Jung: Accused of filming molka, (illegally filming women without their consent) which ignited the scandal. Was a singer-songwriter with a rebellious image.
• Choi Jong-hoon: Member of FT Island, involved in sexual crimes but acted under Seungri's orders.
• Seungri: Member of Big Bang, involved in organizing sexual exploitation to secure investments.

Other Key Figures

• Senior Superintendent Yoon: Found to be involved in police collusion but was acquitted.
• Hara: Victim of revenge porn and instrumental in exposing police collusion.
• Bang Jeong-hyun: Lawyer who collaborated with Kang and represented victims.
• Kyung-mi: Alias for Jung's girlfriend who reported him for molka.

Scandal Timeline

Initial Accusations Against Jung (2016)

• Jung was reported by Kyung-mi for filming her without consent.
• Investigation was superficial; police did not properly scrutinize his phone.

Leaked KakaoTalk Messages (2018)

• Leaked messages revealed extensive criminal activities by Jung and other members of a KakaoTalk chat group.
• Messages showed illegal filming, rape of unconscious women, and police collusion.
• Key evidence found by journalist Kang.

Police and Media Response

• Initial backlash against journalists for exposing the story.
• Leaked messages showed police collusion protecting K-Pop stars.
• Senior Superintendent Yoon and others were implicated.

Involvement of Hara

• Helped uncover the police officer referred to as the Police Prosecutor General.
• Was a victim of molka herself and her tragic story added weight to the scandal.

Major Revelations and Legal Actions (2019)

• Jung, Seungri, and Choi faced charges for their crimes.
• Heavy trolling of journalists for breaking the news.
• Protests and public outcry increased.

Club Burning Sun

• Seungri's empire: Used for drug-fueled parties, assaults, and illegal filming.
• High profile VIP guests were catered using women who were often drugged.
• Incriminating evidence emerged showing the extent of the illegal activities.

Legal Outcomes

• Jung: Six years for gang rape and distributing molka.
• Choi: Two and a half years for his part in gang rape.
• Seungri: Convicted on several charges including embezzlement, inciting violence, and molka; sentenced to 18 months.
• Senior Superintendent Yoon: Acquitted of charges related to chat group members.

Continuing Issues

• Despite the high-profile trials, practices similar to Burning Sun are alleged to still occur in Gangnam clubs.
• Victims and activists continue to voice concerns about ongoing exploitation and lack of sufficient systemic change.

Personal Cost for Journalists

• Journalists like Kang and Park faced severe trolling and personal risk.
• Hara's tragic death highlighted the immense pressure and victimization related to such scandals.

Reflections and Impact

• The scandal has thrown a spotlight on systemic issues within the entertainment industry and authorities.
• Efforts to hold perpetrators accountable continue, but challenges and risks remain.