Two of South Korea’s most high-profile entertainment figures, actor Kim Soo-hyun and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, are under intense public scrutiny as evidence mounts contradicting their previous statements. The controversies have sparked a growing sentiment of public distrust, with many questioning the integrity of celebrities and industry leaders.

Kim Soo-hyun Under Fire: “I’d Lie Again”

Kim Soo-hyun, currently embroiled in accusations of dating the late Kim Sae-ron while she was underage, held a press conference to firmly deny the timeline of events presented by the actress’s family. He asserted that the relationship began only after Kim Sae-ron became an adult and defended his past denials, stating, “There were too many things I had to protect.”“Even if I could go back to the time of ‘Queen of Tears,’ I’d make the same decision.”

Critics argue that Kim’s justification reinforced the perception that he prioritized his celebrity image over the truth. The initial dating rumors surfaced when Kim Sae-ron posted a photo with Kim Soo-hyun, which his agency swiftly denied, even threatening legal action.

Now, commentators and netizens alike are questioning his sincerity. “Even after being caught lying, he seems busier justifying himself than apologizing,” one cultural analyst remarked._ “Saying he’d repeat the lie means he still prioritizes self-preservation over honesty,”_ another netizen wrote.

Min Hee-jin’s Tampering Denial Backfires

Meanwhile, Min Hee-jin, the visionary behind NewJeans, is facing backlash after evidence surfaced contradicting her earlier denial of “tampering” accusations.

While Min previously stated,_ “I confirm no contact or discussions with any company regarding tampering,” _investigative reports revealed that she met with Park Jung-gyu, CEO of Davolink, and a NewJeans member’s family representative in late 2023.

During that meeting, Min reportedly discussed establishing a new company and strategies to transfer NewJeans’ management rights from HYBE, actions that directly contradict her public statements.

The revelations have led to widespread disappointment, especially among fans who had previously defended her transparency and dedication to her artists.

Industry Experts: “Lies Are Boomerangs”

Entertainment insiders are warning of the long-term damage such credibility issues can inflict, not just on individuals, but on the entire industry. “This industry thrives on public trust,” one music executive said._ “Lies are boomerangs, they always come back. Both these cases prove that early transparency could have softened the blow.”_

With both Kim Soo-hyun and Min Hee-jin’s reputations at stake, the incidents serve as a wake-up call on the cost of public deception in an age of digital accountability, and how quickly admiration can turn to outrage when trust is broken.