The entertainment industry is not always as it seems. Not only can these celebrities abuse their influence, connections, and privileges, but their loved ones may also get away with crimes simply because of who they are related to.
Previously, we listed family members of K-pop idols who were accused of or found guilty of crimes. This time, we will be listing crimes committed by Korean idols and actors themselves.
1. Former NCT member Taeil (문태일)
The K-pop industry was rocked by shocking news when SM Entertainment announced that former NCT member Taeil had been removed from the group due to his involvement in a criminal case related to sex offences. Although he was indicted on the charges, it was recently reported that the singer failed to attend police summons and evaded arrest. According to reports, an arrest warrant for Taeil was requested but subsequently denied.
2. Former BIGBANG member Seungri (승리)
Arguably the most talked-about scandal in Korean entertainment. Former BIGBANG member Seungri was sentenced to 18 months in prison for his involvement in the Burning Sun scandal and although he served his sentence, his past will forever haunt him. Last year, the BBC released a documentary on the criminal case, featuring never-before-seen footage of the disgraced idol assaulting a woman at a nightclub.
3. Former T-ARA member Areum (이아름)
In 2024, Lee Areum accused her ex-husband, Kim Young Gul, of abusing her and their children. However, it was later revealed this year that the former T-ARA member herself was guilty of the offence. She was charged with child abuse and negligence, as well as defamation against an unnamed individual during a live broadcast. The retired idol’s mother reportedly assisted her in committing the crimes. Both were sentenced to eight and four months in prison, with two and one years of probation, respectively.
4. DJ Ahn Ye-song (안예은)
Former INSTAR member, DJ Ahn Ye-song, was found guilty of drunk driving. Not only did she injure another driver when she crashed into him, but she also killed a motorcyclist while attempting to flee the scene in her car. According to reports, the musician cursed at the police officers and left the scene of the accidents without their permission. She was later sentenced to 10 years in prison.
5. Actor Yoo Ah-in (유아인)
Yoo Ah-in was once at the top of his game, wowing fans with his on-screen performances. Unfortunately, he was accused of illegal drug possession and abuse. The actor was later sentenced to a year in prison on charges of illegal use of the anaesthetic drug propofol. In February 2025, he was released from prison after serving five months and will be on a two-year probation.
6. Actor Oh Young-soo (오영수)
Despite being an actor since 1979, Oh Young-soo’s popularity soared after he starred in the first season of “Squid Game” in 2021. He even won a Golden Globe Award in the Best Supporting Actor category. However, it was later revealed that the actor had been accused of several cases of sexual misconduct. Although he was charged in 2017, he was not indicted until 2022. He was subsequently found guilty and sentenced to eight months in prison, with a two-year suspension.
Sources: MalayMail, Koreaboo, KoreaTimes, TheStar, NST
