K-pop star turned actor Ji Soo’s career took a dramatic turn in 2021 when serious allegations of school bullying surfaced. The fallout from this controversy has proven to be financially devastating for his former agency, KEYEAST.
The drama unfolded while Ji Soo was the lead actor in the popular KBS2 series, River Where the Moon Rises. The show was already airing when the accusations came to light, forcing Ji Soo to step down from his role. The production company, Victory Contents, was left in a precarious position. They had to halt production, recast the male lead with Na In Woo, and essentially reshoot a significant portion of the drama.
The financial burden of this unexpected upheaval was immense. The court has now ordered Ji Soo’s former agency, KEYEAST, to pay over 1 million USD in damages to compensate for the production company’s losses. It’s a stark reminder of the high stakes involved in the entertainment industry and the serious consequences of misconduct.
Once a rising star with a promising career, Ji Soo’s world came crashing down when the bullying allegations surfaced. His agency severed ties with him, and he was forced to enlist in the military to escape the public eye.
After completing his military service, Ji Soo made a cautious return to the public sphere, admitting to the bullying and claiming to have reached a settlement with his accuser. However, the damage to his reputation was already done.
While Ji Soo has attempted to move on and rebuild his image, it remains to be seen if the public will forgive and forget. The entertainment industry is a fickle place, and regaining lost ground will be an uphill battle.
This case serves as a cautionary tale for both celebrities and their agencies, highlighting the importance of maintaining strong ethical standards and the potential consequences of failing to do so.
