Why Koreans hold celebrities to sky-high moral standards

South Korea’s strict moral expectations for public figures are again under debate after celebrity chef Im Seong-keun lost public support following revelations of past drunk-driving offenses. His rapid fall from fame has renewed discussion about how Korean society holds celebrities to high ethical standards.

Im became nationally popular through Netflix’s Culinary Class Wars Season 2, where audiences praised his cooking skills, friendly personality and simple recipes. His online popularity quickly led to commercial offers and television appearances, making him one of the show’s breakout stars.

The situation changed suddenly when Im posted a video admitting to multiple drunk-driving incidents over several years, including license revocation. Media reports later confirmed at least four DUI cases. Soon after, broadcasters canceled or postponed his appearances, and Im asked companies to remove advertisements and discussed returning fees.

Such responses are common in South Korea, where offenses like drunk driving and school violence are often seen as career-ending for celebrities. While some critics argue that cancel culture can be excessive, public opinion generally treats these actions as serious moral violations that deserve strong consequences.

Sociologists say the reaction reflects deeper social values. Many Koreans view celebrities as symbols of fairness and shared success built on public support. When a public figure is seen as benefiting from fame despite harmful behavior, it can trigger strong resentment in a society where many people feel opportunities are unequal.

source : https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/society/20260122/why-koreans-hold-celebrities-to-sky-high-moral-standards

Comprehension

Why did chef Im Seong-keun lose public support?
How did Im become famous before the controversy?
What actions did broadcasters take after the revelations?
Which behaviors are often considered career-ending in Korea?
According to sociologists, why do people react strongly to celebrity scandals?

Discussion

Why do you think celebrities are held to higher moral standards than ordinary people?
Do you agree that drunk driving should end a celebrity’s career? Why or why not?
What is the difference between personal mistakes and public responsibility?
Is cancel culture a form of justice or punishment? Explain your opinion.
How does public support contribute to a celebrity’s success?
Can celebrities recover from scandals? Under what conditions?
How does social media affect public reactions to scandals?
Are moral expectations for public figures similar or different in your country?

Vocabulary

Public figure – a person who is well known and in the public eye
Revelation – the act of making something previously unknown public
Backlash – strong negative public reaction
Moral lapse – a failure to follow ethical or moral rules
Resentment – anger caused by feeling treated unfairly