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Arts & Culture
15 April 2025

Seo Ye-ji Speaks Out Amid Controversies With Poignant Message

The actress shares a heartfelt post while humorously addressing her past on SNL Korea.

Actress Seo Ye-ji is making headlines again, this time for her heartfelt social media post that has fans buzzing with support. On April 14, 2025, Seo shared a poignant message on her Instagram account: "Don’t treat me carelessly just because I pretend to be fine." This cryptic statement has sparked speculation about her emotional state as she navigates the aftermath of past controversies.

Seo Ye-ji, who has been under intense scrutiny since 2021 due to allegations of gaslighting her then-boyfriend, actor Kim Jung-hyun, is attempting to reclaim her narrative. Following her guest appearance on SNL Korea Season 7, where she humorously referenced her past scandals, her latest post seems to reflect a deeper emotional struggle. Fans responded to her message with empathy, sending messages of support and asking if she was okay.

In her SNL appearance on April 12, Seo Ye-ji addressed her past controversies with humor. She opened the show by joking, "I’m going to gaslight the SNL crew into making this fun," which elicited laughter from the audience. Comedian Shin Dong-yup replied, "Right, gaslighting is your hobby and specialty—I almost forgot," further lightening the mood. This self-deprecating humor appears to be Seo's way of coping with the public's perception of her.

During the episode, Seo also participated in a segment titled "Seo Ye-GPT," where she portrayed an AI version of herself. In another skit called "Eve’s Hair Salon," she played a salon director, poking fun at her past by responding to a character's comment about a stiff neck with a smile and a quip, "It’s just firm." This reference to her nickname "Kim Ttak-ttak"—a term that implied controlling behavior—was a clever nod to her past controversies.

Despite her humorous approach on screen, Seo Ye-ji's social media post reveals that she is still grappling with the emotional fallout from her past. In a message posted on her official fan cafe, she expressed feelings of being overwhelmed, bored, sad, and suffocated. She stated, "I’m a human being, so it’s really overwhelming, boring, sad, and suffocating. I’m holding it in." This candid admission has resonated with many fans who have shown their support.

Seo Ye-ji's controversies began in April 2021, when leaked messages suggested she had manipulated Kim Jung-hyun, urging him to avoid physical contact with female co-stars. This scandal was compounded by allegations of school bullying, academic fraud, and mistreatment of staff, which she has denied. These accusations led to a significant backlash and a hiatus from the entertainment industry.

After a challenging period, Seo attempted a comeback in 2022 with the tvN drama "Eve," but the reception was largely negative. In November 2023, she parted ways with her longtime agency, Gold Medalist, and signed with Sublime, signaling a fresh start. In August of the same year, she appeared at a beauty brand event, showcasing a brighter demeanor.

On March 30, 2025, Seo Ye-ji opened up about her struggles during an appearance on TV Chosun’s "Backstreet Dining with Heo Young Man." She shared, "As a public figure, I thought I needed to accept how people viewed me. But as I stayed silent, the misunderstandings grew, and it became an overwhelming source of stress over time." This candid reflection highlights the pressure she has faced from public scrutiny.

In addition to her past controversies, Seo Ye-ji's name has recently been linked to the ongoing dating scandal involving Kim Soo-hyun and actress Kim Sae-ron. Following her SNL appearance and the public's renewed interest in her, she addressed rumors about her relationship with Kim Soo-hyun on her fan cafe, firmly stating, "I have nothing to do with him and his brother." Her denial of these rumors has been met with mixed reactions from fans and the public.

As Seo Ye-ji continues to navigate her career and personal challenges, her recent posts and appearances reflect a desire to move forward while addressing the weight of her past. Her ability to blend humor with vulnerability on platforms like SNL Korea suggests she is taking steps to reclaim her narrative and connect with her audience on a more personal level.

In conclusion, Seo Ye-ji's journey reflects the complexities of public life and the emotional toll it can take. As she attempts to rebuild her career and personal image, her poignant messages and humorous self-parodies indicate a woman striving for resilience and authenticity in the face of adversity.