Actress Kim Bu-seon is once again at the center of public discourse following her recent remarks criticizing the treatment of celebrities in South Korea. During a live broadcast on her YouTube channel 'Kim Bu-seon TV' on March 18, 2025, Bu-seon expressed her outrage over the harsh criticism directed at fellow actor Kim Soo-hyun amidst allegations regarding his past relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron, who tragically passed away at just 20 years old.
In her live stream titled "Celebrity Rights Not Even Guaranteed As Much As Violent Criminals," Bu-seon boldly claimed that the rights and dignity of celebrities are often disregarded, saying, “There’s no guarantee of celebrity rights even close to that of violent criminals.” This statement reflects her belief that public figures are subjected to harsh scrutiny and judgment without due process.
Bu-seon articulated a particular concern regarding the situation surrounding Kim Sae-ron, who faced a barrage of negative comments online following her untimely death, which was linked to a drunk driving incident. The actress passionately stated, “Over 80% of the comments were malicious. It was shocking to see how cruel society could be before the death of a human.” This sentiment echoes her broader criticism of public shaming that frequently targets vulnerable individuals within the entertainment industry.
“Why are we as a society so quick to judge and condemn? For a young woman who made a mistake, must we resort to witch hunts?” Bu-seon questioned, emphasizing that everyone makes mistakes, and nobody is immune from errors in judgment, including celebrities like Kim Soo-hyun, who also faced accusations of dating Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor.
In discussing the controversy regarding Kim Soo-hyun's alleged relationship with Sae-ron, Bu-seon insisted, “Are we saying that young couples cannot date? Aren't we living in an era where freedom of expression is guaranteed?” This rhetoric not only defends their right to a personal life but also highlights a disturbing trend in which celebrities are often vilified for their private choices. “It seems that a new target is needed for society’s anger,” she added, highlighting the cyclical nature of celebrity culture wherein stars become scapegoats for deeper societal issues.
“You all engage in relationships and tell lies, don’t you? Everyone makes mistakes,” Bu-seon expressed with frustration, arguing that condemning entertainers for their personal lives is both hypocritical and unjust. Following such a public condemnation, she firmly criticized the treatment of those who have tragically passed like the late Kim Sae-ron and Hui-sung, who also succumbed to mental health struggles exacerbated by public scrutiny.
“The commentary directed towards Kim Sae-ron following her passing was unconscionable; she had already paid the price,” Bu-seon stated, expressing her sympathy for the young actress, who faced the unforgiving gaze of public opinion both in life and after death. Bu-seon urged the public to consider the impact of their words, especially when directed at individuals already in distress.
Moreover, the actress questioned, “Don’t we pay taxes? Are we not citizens? Why do we have to endure such treatment when we’re just like everyone else?” Through these questions, Bu-seon advocates for the dignity of entertainers, arguing against the double standards she perceives in society. Her pursuit of fairness extends to all celebrities, emphasizing the importance of viewing them as human beings deserving of compassion rather than targets for vitriol.
Specifically addressing the rumors concerning Kim Soo-hyun and the late Kim Sae-ron, along with allegations of their relationship beginning while Kim Sae-ron was still a minor, Bu-seon indicated the insensitivity of the public's response. Initially, Kim Soo-hyun's camp denied the allegations but later admitted that they did date from the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020, when Kim Sae-ron was of age.
This shift in narrative highlights the complex dynamics of celebrity relationships and public perception. The situation serves to underscore how allegations can lead to immeasurable damage to reputation and mental health, as seen in the cases of the two young stars.
“Kim Sae-ron was a beloved actress, who faced an immense burden as a public figure. She is not alone in experiencing the debilitating effects of public life,” Bu-seon insisted, reiterating her calls for understanding and compassion within the industry.
As discussions continue around the issues raised by Bu-seon, her poignant remarks resonate with many who seek to change the public narrative surrounding mental health and celebrity culture. “It’s time we reassess how we treat the people we idolize and recognize their humanity above our fleeting judgments,” she concluded on the broadcast.
In a culture that often fetes success while vilifying failure, Bu-seon's statements challenge the status quo, advocating for a kinder and more understanding society for all. Her call for change comes at a critical period, underscoring the essential need for compassion in the face of individual struggles that many celebrities face behind the scenes.
As the conversation around celebrity rights and mental health continues, the question remains: can society learn to treat its stars with the dignity and respect they deserve?
