With 2024 in full swing, Kdramastars waves goodbye to another year of eye-catching K-drama and entertainment stories that rocked the headlines.
The Korean entertainment industry has seen everything, from scandals to revelations that leave us inspired.
As is always the case, some successes and some failures kept fans talking throughout the year. Here are the biggest headlines that helped to tell the K-drama story of 2024, the stories that defined the year for K-drama with the celebrities we love.
Nightclub manager and ex-actress jailed for extorting late star Lee Sun Kyun. The pair were found guilty of blackmailing the late star of South Korea's "Parasite," who died by suicide.
Disturbing claims over extortion were revealed in court that added to the mental pain Lee suffered before his death.
9. Jeon So Min Exposes Daily Insults and Abuse from a Director on Set
Jeon So Min, a popular actress admired for her vibrant variety show antics, recently revealed her experiences of mental and physical abuse early in her acting career.
In a recent interview, she talked about the way she was verbally abused and tortured by a director in her early years in the industry.
Whenever she made mistakes, the director naturally hit her head; this made Jeon get used to hitting her own head to avoid making mistakes.
8. Oops! Choi Hyun Wook Accidentally Exposes Himself– The Internet Can't Look Away
Hot South Korean actor Choi Hyun Wook was embroiled in an online controversy when he mistakenly uploaded a photo on his Instagram account, which was not supposed to be posted.
There was an accident while he was exhibiting a bear brick doll, but because of the reflective material of the doll, a naked body appeared in the background without intention.
7.Woo Do Hwan Reveals Dating Style and Ideal Type: 'I Don't Know How to Flirt'
Woo Do Hwan has stirred up excitement among fans, this time, not with his new role in Netflix's Mr. Plankton but with his bold and unconventional views on dating and romance, many of which have certainly made waves lately.
The 35-year-old actor explained in a previous interview that he treats his girlfriend with all due respect, always referring to her as "someone's precious daughter."
Read more: Jung Woo Sung's Alleged Private Messages Flirting With a Netizen Leaked Online Amid Baby Scandal
As he explained, "I can't have a push-and-pull relationship. "I don't even know how to flirt, you know? If I like something, I come out and say it, and if I don't, I say it too.
Recently, actress Ryu Hyoyoung confessed her alleged involvement in the T-ARA bullying scandal which was mainly focused on her twin sister, Ryu Hwayoung who was a former member of the popular K-pop group T-ARA.
Hyoyoung admitted to having threatened the members of that group, explaining that she sent the messages because it was painful for her to see her sister suffer, and so she wanted to protect her sister.
Recently, Song Joong Ki broke his silence on the spreading of rumors and false information regarding his wife, British actress Katie Louise Saunders.
Song took to his fan cafe to express anger about the 'fake news' that has been circulating and the damage it has done to him. He added that he tried to ignore the rumors, but they "became so numerous" that "so many of the stories were false."
He said, "the only truth in those stories was the name of the university where my wife went to school."
4. Lee Yu Bi Labeled as 'Unwelcomed Guest' at Jo Se Ho's Wedding, Sparks Media Firestorm
Controversy arose over actress Lee Yu Bi's presence at comedian Jo Se Ho's wedding held at the Shilla Hotel.
Read more: Jung Woo Sung 'Not a Two-Timer' — Reporter Clarifies Actor's Relationship Timeline with Moon Ga Bi
Although the wedding is known to be star-studded, Lee Yu Bi received bad attention from some media outlets, even MK News referred to her as an "uninvited guest."
3. Han So Hee Accused of Using Burner Account to Attack Hyeri– Jeon Jong Seo Caught in the Crossfire
Everything came to a head on October 16, when actress Han So Hee was accused of using a secret burner Instagram account to leave ugly comments about actress Hyeri
A post titled "The Post Han So Hee Uploaded in July," which attracted over 50,000 views in one hour, made headlines.
The post included a screenshot of an Instagram account that is known for leaving critical and harsh comments about Hyeri.
The photo was supposedly connected to a post on Han So Hee's public account, which led netizens to speculate about her involvement.
2. 'Running Man' Star Song Ji Hyo Becomes China's Most Popular Star, Dethroning Fan Bingbing
Korean actress Song Ji Hyo recently became the most popular celebrity in China, even beating out the Chinese megastar Fan Bingbing.
She found herself with tons of recognition, primarily thanks to her years-long stint on the variety hit "Running Man."
Even as of October 2024, clips of Song Ji Hyo have approximately 1.8 billion views on the show, indicating the popularity of her character in China and elsewhere.
1. Jung Woo Sung Declines Marriage After Confirming He's The Father of Model Moon Gabi's Baby
Jung Woo Sung is the father of model Moon Gabi's child. Jung Woo Sung and Moon Gabi are fighting over their future together.
After the pregnancy announcement, Moon Gabi said she'd like to get married and spend their lives together.
However, Jung Woo Sung has decided against the concept of marriage. Instead, he has decided to provide financial support for the child but does not plan on being actively involved in parenting.
Looking Ahead 2025
With 2024 slowly wrapping up, K-drama and K-entertainment can approach a future of both change and continuity.
The narratives of 2024 thus far have had the duality of both the trials and tribulations of celebrity, and the endurance of Kdrama fans and critics.
Despite the controversies, life goes on, showcasing the strength and adaptability of both the celebrities and their supporters.
Expect more dramas and films that challenge us to connect with these themes, now and in 2025.
These events will likely continue to drive conversations that promote increased transparency, accountability and support for those who are in front of the lens
