Turbulent Times in South Korea: A Recap of 2025
2025 was another turbulent year for South Korea. From unprecedented political turmoil to a wave of scandals that rocked the entertainment world, the country found itself navigating a period of intense public scrutiny, institutional reckoning, and shifting social expectations. The year began with the political upheaval from the previous year, bringing politics to dominate headlines alongside pop culture. At the same time, South Korea’s entertainment industry faced its own reckoning.
Courtroom battles, contract disputes, criminal cases, and cultural controversies upended careers and stalled major productions, underscoring how tightly celebrity, power, and public accountability have become intertwined. As the year unfolded, individual incidents sparked wider conversations, shaping the defining chapter for South Korea in 2025. Below is a recap of the major events that dominated the nation’s headlines and the controversies that defined the year.
Seoul Court Riot
Following the martial law declaration and his subsequent impeachment in December 2024, former President Yoon Suk Yeol was arrested and indicted in January 2025. On January 19, Yoon’s supporters flocked to the Seoul Western District Court during his arrest warrant proceedings, causing physical clashes with police and journalists. This incident highlighted the deep divisions within South Korean society and the intense emotions surrounding political accountability.
Kim Sae Ron’s Passing
The tragic death of actress Kim Sae Ron on February 16 at the young age of 24 shocked the public. Her struggles with debt, past DUI legal problems, and tumultuous personal relationships came to light, triggering intense scrutiny. This incident ignited broader conversations about the pressures faced by young stars in the entertainment industry and the urgent need for mental health support.
Kim Soo Hyun’s Allegations
Kim Soo Hyun became embroiled in one of the year’s most polarizing scandals after relatives of the late Kim Sae Ron raised serious allegations about his past relationship with her. The controversy began when the YouTube channel Hoverlab claimed that Kim Soo Hyun had a romantic relationship with Kim Sae Ron when she was a minor. Kim vehemently denied the allegations, asserting that their relationship began only after she was of legal age. He took aggressive legal action, filing criminal complaints and a civil lawsuit against the channel for defamation, which resulted in numerous advertisers terminating contracts with him.
‘UNDER15’ Audition Program Faces Child Exploitation Backlash
The audition program ‘Under 15’ aimed to showcase young female talent but faced immediate backlash for its perceived sexualization of minors. The controversy intensified due to the ongoing scandal involving Kim Soo Hyun, raising questions about the ethics of exposing children to the entertainment industry at such a young age. Critics argued that the program represented a troubling trend in K-pop, where the line between talent and exploitation is increasingly blurred.
KISS OF LIFE Cultural Backlash
KISS OF LIFE faced major controversy after a birthday livestream featuring hip-hop-inspired styling sparked accusations of cultural appropriation. Despite the group’s apology, fan outrage grew, culminating in the cancellation of their KCON LA 2025 appearance. This incident underscored the sensitivity surrounding cultural representation in the global entertainment landscape.
BoA’s Drunk Livestream with Jun Hyun Moo
BoA found herself in hot water after an impromptu livestream with Jun Hyun Moo, where she made a dismissive comment about fellow comedian Park Na Rae. The remark was widely viewed as disrespectful, igniting discussions about the responsibilities of public figures in discussing others’ personal lives without their consent.
aespa’s Karina’s Windbreaker Political Controversy
In the lead-up to South Korea’s June 3 presidential election, aespa member Karina sparked controversy by posting a photo wearing a distinctive black and red windbreaker. The colors and number on the jacket led to speculation that she was signaling support for a conservative candidate, raising questions about the role of celebrities in political discourse.
K-Pop Demon Hunters
Amidst the controversies, ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ emerged as a cultural phenomenon, redefining the reach of Korean pop culture. The animated musical film set multiple records and generated far-reaching effects across music, streaming, and tourism. Its soundtrack, particularly the song “Golden” by the fictional girl group HUNTR/X, dominated charts globally, marking a significant moment for animated features in the music industry.
Former NCT Member Taeil Sentenced to 3.5 Years in Prison
Former NCT member Taeil was sentenced to three and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to sexual assault charges involving an intoxicated victim. This incident marked one of the year’s most serious legal scandals in K-pop, further highlighting the urgent need for accountability within the industry.
Bang Si Hyuk Sued by Investors for Fraudulent Practices
Bang Si Hyuk, the founder of HYBE, faced allegations of misleading investors regarding plans for an IPO while secretly selling shares to a private equity fund. Investors filed a lawsuit against him, prompting extensive investigations and raising concerns about corporate governance in the entertainment industry.
Son Heung Min Parts Ways with Tottenham Hotspur
In August 2025, Son Heung Min announced his departure from Tottenham Hotspur after ten years, describing the decision as one of the most difficult of his career. He completed a transfer to MLS club Los Angeles FC for a record fee, marking a significant shift in his professional journey.
ICE Raid at the Hyundai-LG Electric Vehicle Battery Plant
On September 4, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted a large-scale immigration raid at the Hyundai-LG electric vehicle battery plant in Georgia, detaining hundreds of workers, many of whom were South Korean nationals. The incident escalated into a diplomatic controversy, raising broader concerns about labor compliance and foreign investment risks.
Super Junior’s Siwon Faces Backlash for Political Post
Super Junior member Siwon faced significant backlash for expressing condolences for controversial American activist Charlie Kirk. This incident sparked debate over idols’ engagement with politically charged content and the potential repercussions for their global fanbases.
Court Rules ADOR’s Contract with NewJeans as Valid
On October 30, the Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of ADOR, confirming that the exclusive contracts with NewJeans remain valid. This decision underscored the ongoing legal battles within the entertainment industry and the complexities of artist management.
South Korea Hosts APEC 2025
One of the notable international events was South Korea’s role as host of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit. The summit provided opportunities for dialogue among major economies, allowing South Korea to present its perspectives on pressing global issues.
Cho Jin Woong’s Past Juvenile Offense Resurfaces
Veteran actor Cho Jin Woong faced a career-ending scandal when revelations about his juvenile offenses and allegations of assault emerged. This incident sparked intense media discourse on the impact of past behavior on current reputations.
Park Na Rae’s Power Abuse Controversy & "Injection Aunt" Scandal
Comedian Park Na Rae faced public backlash when former managers accused her of workplace abuse. The controversy expanded to include allegations of illegal cosmetic procedures, disrupting production schedules across various shows.
Danielle Parts Ways with NewJeans
In December, it was announced that Danielle would not continue with NewJeans, marking a significant shift for the group. ADOR cited family-related disputes as contributing factors to the decision, further complicating the group’s dynamics.
2025 was a year full of incidents and controversies, with no quiet moments even in the entertainment industry. As the year draws to a close, South Korea’s entertainment sector emerges as one of the biggest pressure points. What began as a series of individual scandals quickly snowballed into a full-scale reckoning, with lawsuits, contract wars, and resurfaced past controversies sending shockwaves through K-pop, film, television, and variety shows.
If there are entertainment scandals or headline-making moments from 2025 that we missed, let us know in the comments below and join the conversation.
