#373: Burning Sun’s K-Pop Idols Released From Prison - Now Trying To Make Comeback & Open New Club
In this episode of the Rotten Mango podcast, Stephanie Soo examines the Burning Sun scandal, revealing how the nightclub facilitated sexual crimes against women with the involvement of influential K-pop idols. The shocking revelations shed light on the systemic issues plaguing the industry.
Soo explores the stark contrast in the treatment of male and female idols, with the former facing minimal consequences for serious misconduct while the latter endure intense public scrutiny over minor issues. The episode delves into the tragic mental health struggles of Sulli and Hara, highlighting the dire impact of cyberbullying and lack of legal protection for female idols.
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1-Page Summary
The Burning Sun Scandal
Sexual Exploitation and Assault at Burning Sun
Stephanie Soo discusses how the nightclub Burning Sun facilitated the sexual assault of women. According to her report, employees used date rape drugs to incapacitate women and coerce them into VIP rooms, where sexual assaults took place with club management's knowledge.
Implication of K-Pop Idols
The scandal implicated high-profile K-pop idols like Seungri (Big Bang) in organized sexual crimes. Soo states that Seungri arranged commercial sex services, shared videos of intimate encounters without consent, and participated in group chats discussing assaults on unconscious women.
Double Standards for Male and Female Idols
While male idols avoided serious consequences for the Burning Sun scandal, female idols faced harsh criticism over minor issues. Soo reports that Jung Joon-young and Choi Jong-hoon received lenient sentences despite their crimes, while Seungri dodged significant prison time. In contrast, Sulli and Hara endured intense online harassment over personal choices like clothing and relationships.
Mental Health Struggles of Female Idols
The public scrutiny contributed to mental health issues for Sulli and Hara. Soo explains that Sulli was mocked for discussing taboo topics, while Hara faced attacks on her appearance. Tragically, both women died by suicide after battling depression exacerbated by cyberbullying. The podcast highlights systemic issues like lack of legal protection that failed these women.
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Actionables
- You can support the establishment of safer nightlife environments by choosing to patronize clubs and venues that openly promote and enforce anti-harassment policies. Look for places that train their staff in bystander intervention, have clear signage about consent, and provide information about what to do if you feel unsafe. By spending your money at establishments that prioritize safety, you're contributing to a culture that does not tolerate sexual assault.
- Educate yourself on the signs of cyberbullying and offer support to those who may be victims. Learn about the different forms of online harassment, and if you notice someone being targeted on social media, reach out to them privately to offer support or report the behavior to the platform. By being an active bystander online, you can help reduce the isolation that victims of cyberbullying often feel.
- Advocate for stronger legal protections against cyberbullying by writing to your local representatives. Research the current laws in your area and draft a letter or email explaining the need for more robust legislation to protect individuals from online harassment. By voicing your concerns to those in power, you can contribute to creating a legal environment that better supports victims of cyberbullying.
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The Burning Sun scandal and allegations of sexual crimes against women
Burning Sun was a nightclub that allegedly facilitated the sexual exploitation and assault of women
The Burning Sun nightclub, presented as the "it" nightclub in South Korea in 2018, is at the center of a scandal involving the sexual exploitation and assault of women. Stephanie Soo discusses how a whistleblower came forward with evidence of illegal activities, leading to a broader investigation.
Club employees would drug and coerce women into the VIP rooms, where they were sexually assaulted, often with the knowledge and participation of club management
Throughout 2018, women reported instances at Burning Sun where they had no recollection of the rest of their night after having a drink. Employees were accused of using date rape drugs like GHB and of forcibly bringing unconscious women into VIP rooms. Bartenders at the club allegedly roofied drinks, which led to the women being taken to the VIP rooms, often guarded by many security personnel to ensure privacy for the sexual assaults. There was a "true VIP menu" at the club that was code for sexually exploiting women, the podcast reveals.
The Burning Sun scandal implicated several high-profile K-pop idols, including Seungri, in organized sexual crimes
The Burning Sun scandal implicated high-profile K-pop idols in organized sexual crimes. Seungri, a co-director of Burning Sun and member of Big Bang, was accused of providing sexual services, sharing videos and photos of intimate encounters with women, some of which were obtained without their consent or while they were unconscious.
Seungri, a member of the popular group Big Bang, was accused of arranging commercial sex services and facilitating the assault of women at Burning Sun
Seungri's involvement included facilitating sex for investors and participating in group chats where videos and photos were shared. Seungri and other celebrities were part of secret chat groups; for example, Jung Joon-young and Choi Jong-hoon were involved in sharing footage of sexual encounters with women who seemed unconscious. The men discussed assaults in detail, including incidents where a woman wakes up with her clothes off and no memory of the prior evening.
Despite the severity of the allegations, Seungri was seen attempting to continue his nightlife business ventures, with speclations of opening a new club in Cambodia. Seungri's actions also includ ...
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The Burning Sun scandal and allegations of sexual crimes against women
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Actionables
- Educate yourself on the signs of drug-facilitated sexual assault to better protect yourself and others when out in social settings. Learn about common substances used, their effects, and how to detect tampering with drinks. Share this knowledge with friends and family to create a more informed community.
- Support organizations that work to protect women from sexual violence by volunteering or donating. Look for local or international groups that focus on providing resources, education, and advocacy for victims of sexual assault and contribute in ways that align with your capacity.
- Practice bystander intervention techniques to ...
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The controversies, double standards, and lack of accountability surrounding male K-pop idols
In the world of K-pop, male idols involved in serious scandals have faced relatively lenient punishments and have sometimes been able to return to the spotlight, while female idols have been harshly judged and subjected to intense scrutiny for far less significant actions. Let's delve into the specifics of these double standards and the lack of accountability that often plague male K-pop idols.
Male idols involved in the Burning Sun scandal faced lenient punishments or were able to avoid serious consequences for their actions
Although Jung Joon-young (JJY) received a 5-year prison sentence and Choi Jong-hoon (CJ) a 2.6-year sentence for their involvement in the Burning Sun scandal, they are free at the time of the podcast recording. Choi attempted to make a comeback in the industry by joining a Japanese fan community platform, and JJY expressed interest in pursuing his music career again, meeting up with music industry connections after being released.
Seungri, formerly of Big Bang, managed to avoid significant prison time despite being sentenced on 29 occasions for organizing commercial sex services, engaging in tax evasion, and other issues. Reports suggest that he resumed his clubbing business ventures after his release. Seungri's behavior at a fan meet in Cambodia included confrontational remarks and gestures, and rumors circulated that he aimed to open a new club in Cambodia.
Jung Joon-young received a 5-year prison sentence, while Choi Jong-hoon received a 2.6-year sentence, despite the severity of their crimes
Jung Joon-young received a 5-year prison sentence, and Choi Jong-hoon a 2.6-year sentence, for their severe criminal actions in the Burning Sun scandal. Yet the public outcry has been muted, and some even wish for them to return to the entertainment industry.
Seungri was able to avoid prison time and instead focused on opening new business ventures after his release
Seungri's ability to sidestep significant prison time and swiftly move on to new business endeavors after the allegations against him surfaces indicates a worrying lack of accountability.
Female idols were heavily criticized and subjected to intense cyberbullying for minor or non-existent "scandals"
Female idols, on the other hand, have experienced severe backlash for actions not nearly as egregious. Sulli and Hara have been relentlessly attacked online for things as benign as not wearing bras or merely expressing their opinions, illustrating a glaring double standard at play in K-pop.
Sulli and Hara were relentlessly attacked online for personal choices, such as not wearing bras or expressing their opinions
Sulli in particular suffered vicious cyberbullying for choosing not to wear a bra due to health and comfort reasons, a decision she had to defend publicly. Hara was bullied for undergo ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The controversies, double standards, and lack of accountability surrounding male K-pop idols
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The legal system, not the entertainment industry, determines punishments for crimes, and leniency or severity may be influenced by factors other than gender, such as the specifics of the case, the evidence presented, and legal representation.
- Public outcry and the desire for certain idols to return to the industry may reflect the fandom's complexity and the individual's popularity rather than a systemic bias.
- The entertainment industry is often reflective of broader societal attitudes, and the treatment of male and female idols may mirror existing cultural norms and gender roles that are not exclusive to K-pop.
- Efforts to address gender inequality and societal pressures may be ongoing within the industry, and there may be examples of progress and positive change that are not highlighted in the text.
- The perception of what constitutes "unrealistic standards" can be subjective, and there may be instances where male idols also face significant pressure regarding their behavior and appeara ...
Actionables
- You can support gender equality in entertainment by consciously diversifying your media consumption. Choose to listen to and promote music from female artists who are known for challenging industry norms, and share their work on your social media to increase their visibility. For example, if you discover an indie female artist who addresses social issues in her songs, create a playlist including her tracks and encourage friends to give it a listen.
- Engage in online discussions with empathy and respect to set a positive example. When you come across a conversation about a celebrity or public figure, contribute thoughtfully and discourage negative behavior by highlighting the person's achievements or positive attributes instead of their personal choices or appearance. For instance, if someone criticizes a female idol's outfit choice, you could redirect the conversation to her talent or recent work.
- Educate yourself on the ...
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The Mental Health Struggles, Cyberbullying, and Tragic Deaths of Female K-pop Idols
The K-pop industry is grappling with serious issues around the mental health struggles, cyberbullying, and tragic deaths of female idols. Sulli and Hara, both high-profile K-pop stars, tragically passed away after facing intense online harassment and battling depression.
Sulli and Hara, both successful K-pop idols, faced intense cyberbullying and struggled with depression
Sulli was known for her honest and open discussions about mental health and personal issues, which often led her to be mocked and criticized by netizens. She was accused of being a sex addict, faced derogatory comments for a topless movie scene, and was labeled a drug user based on her physical characteristics—even when these accusations were unwarranted. Hara, who was a member of the K-pop group KARA, encountered similar issues. She was unfairly characterized as being "boy obsessed," and faced public scrutiny for her relationships with men. Hara attempted to end her life multiple times and was later found dead in her home.
Sulli was mocked and criticized for her honest and open approach to discussing mental health and personal issues
Sulli challenged the cultural norms of South Korea by openly discussing taboo topics, such as her support for the legalization of abortion. She also responded to negative comments about her choice not to wear a bra, asserting it was a matter of personal freedom. Her candid approach led to intense cyberbullying and affected her mental health.
Hara attempted suicide multiple times and was eventually found dead in her home, likely due to the immense pressure and trauma she experienced
Hara encountered unrelenting cyberbullying, with comments ranging from mocking her supposed vanity to harsh attacks on her physical appearance when she revealed her struggles with dieting. Hara's self-exit attempts and her participation in a variety show discussing problems with her abusive ex-boyfriend added to the public scrutiny she faced. Following one attempt, she apologized on Instagram for causing concern, stating her desire to overcome her issues.
The deaths of Sulli and Hara highlighted the toxic environment and lack of support for female idols in the K-pop industry
The deaths of both Sulli and Hara shed a harsh light on the double standards and the unforgiving attitudes toward female idols in the K-pop industry. The entities that should have offered support seemed to fall short, contributing to the deterioration of their mental health and ultimately their tragic deaths.
The double standards and unforgiving attitudes towards female idols contributed to their deteriorating mental health and tragic ends
Sulli and Hara w ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The Mental Health Struggles, Cyberbullying, and Tragic Deaths of Female K-pop Idols
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
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Actionables
- You can support mental health initiatives by purchasing music and merchandise from artists who openly advocate for mental health awareness. By doing this, you're not only enjoying the art but also contributing to a culture that values mental well-being. For example, if an artist releases a song addressing mental health issues, buying that track can show solidarity and help fund their advocacy efforts.
- Engage in mindful social media use by following and sharing content from K-pop idols and artists who promote positive messages and self-care. This helps create a healthier online environment and can counteract the negativity that artists often face. For instance, if you notice an idol sharing a positive message or engaging in self-care activities, amplify their voice by sharing their posts with supportive comments.
- Educate yourself on the signs of cyberbullying and mental health struggles so you can r ...
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