Comedian Shin Gi-roo expressed her outrage on March 19, 2025, over a fake news story that falsely reported her death due to a heart attack. The comedian took to Instagram on March 18, 2025, to share a screenshot of the misleading news that had spread rapidly on Facebook. The fabricated post claimed, "Everyone said they would lose weight... Shin Gi-roo died of a heart attack at home, and everyone was confused when they suddenly passed away due to high blood pressure shock." Along with her profile picture, the post misleadingly included flowers and the message, "We pray for the repose of the deceased."
In her response, Shin Gi-roo expressed her disbelief at the incessant cycle of fake news. "Die within 10 years? I've accepted being deceived a hundred times by such fakes, or is it a fake that doesn't understand people? It's just too much," she remarked. She then garnered support from her followers, who echoed her sentiment. "Those who engage in these finger pranks, those who are struggling to survive while fighting against all odds, deserve to face a thousandfold penalty for doing this to people alive and fighting for their lives!" she stated emphatically.
Adding a dose of humor to her response, she mentioned a recent meal she enjoyed, saying, "Today, I’m also feasting on lamb skewers, and the tomato scrambled eggs I had were so delicious they gave me a shock!" This light-hearted remark served to illustrate her continued vitality amidst the distressing situation.
The online community reacted with a mixture of sympathy and anger toward the creators of the fake news. Many netizens, when confronted with the details of her ordeal, voiced their frustration by saying things like, "There's so much fake news out there nowadays!" and suggested that she should pursue legal action against those responsible for it. Others expressed their incredulity at the moral implications of spreading death rumors about living individuals, asserting, "It’s just not right to toy with someone’s life like that."
As the issue of celebrity fake news continues to grow, various stars have come forward with their own stories of how they dealt with similar situations. Comedian Kim Young-chul, for instance, addressed a rumor claiming that he would be drafted into the national team following a recognition of a hernia, stating, "Please stop bothering me. I do not understand the intentions behind these rumors, so I ask that you all be careful with what you read and share online."
The pervasiveness of this phenomenon not only affects the celebrities themselves but also their fans, creating confusion and emotional distress. This ongoing problem has prompted some individuals to take legal action against those responsible for spreading misinformation. For instance, actress Seo Yi-sook took her plight to the authorities after netizens circulated unfounded rumors about her death back in 2021.
Addressing this social issue, Shin Gi-roo not only condemned the act but also pointed out the impact such reports could have on the individuals involved. "It's astonishing that people could be so casual about life and death, considering how hard some of us have to fight to simply exist each day!"
Recent laws regarding defamation and the dissemination of false information online have been tightening as this behavior becomes more recognized as a serious issue. Under current laws, digital defamation can lead to rigorous legal repercussions including imprisonment for up to three years or heavy fines. Furthermore, spreading false facts could incur fines escalating to 50 million won or even ten years of disqualification from various professional capacities.
With growing awareness of the harmful consequences of false reporting, society is beginning to reflect on the ethical ramifications linked to this behavior. The conversation about the effects that such news has not only on the individuals but also on their families and fans is developing. People are increasingly realizing that there's a human element to the stories behind the headlines, urging for greater ethical responsibility in reporting.
As more celebrities lend their voices to the cause to address this rampant issue, it is hoped that collective efforts will result in an environment where individuals can live without the fear of fabricated stories tarnishing their reputation. As Shin Gi-roo eloquently pointed out, "Those who engage in this will eventually face the consequences of their actions. It’s time we hold the creators of such malicious rumors accountable for their actions!"
