{"id":2202865,"date":"2023-11-24T17:00:21","date_gmt":"2023-11-24T08:00:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2202865"},"modified":"2023-11-27T17:07:39","modified_gmt":"2023-11-27T08:07:39","slug":"unpacking-south-koreas-strict-drug-policy-amid-celebrity-scandals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2023\/11\/unpacking-south-koreas-strict-drug-policy-amid-celebrity-scandals\/","title":{"rendered":"Unpacking South Korea\u2019s strict drug policy amid celebrity scandals"},"content":{"rendered":"

In South Korea, a longstanding <\/span>image of being virtually \u201cdrug-free\u201d<\/span><\/a> has been a point of pride. However, recent trends and high-profile cases are prompting a reevaluation of this narrative, suggesting a potential shift in the country\u2019s relationship with drugs.<\/span><\/p>\n

From the societal stigma associated with drug use to the rising concern over <\/span>youth experimentation<\/span><\/a> and celebrity scandals, South Korea finds itself at a crossroads, balancing its traditional image with emerging realities.<\/span><\/p>\n

Public shock ensued following the announcement of investigations into <\/span>Lee Sun-kyun<\/span><\/a>, a renowned actor known for his role in the international hit \u201cParasite,\u201d for alleged illicit drug use, including marijuana. <\/span>Kwon Ji-yong<\/span><\/a>, known professionally as G-Dragon, a figure synonymous with K-pop royalty, faced similar accusations, although he has <\/span>tested negative<\/span><\/a> for drug use.<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, actor <\/span>Yoo Ah-in<\/span><\/a>\u2019s case, involving the alleged abuse of marijuana and propofol, a prescription medication, has drawn significant attention.<\/span><\/p>\n

Understanding the extent of South Korea\u2019s approach to drug-related issues requires distinguishing between drugs and narcotics. Whereas drugs typically refer to substances that are universally recognized for their illicit nature and high potential for abuse, such as cocaine or heroin, narcotics encompass a broader category, including certain prescription medications.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, South Korea often treats the abuse of drugs and narcotics with equal measure.<\/span><\/p>\n

This lack of distinction highlights broader societal expectations, where celebrities are held to high moral standards for any form of substance abuse, whether it involves conventional illicit drugs or prescribed medications.<\/span><\/p>\n

K-CELEBRITY CULTURE<\/b><\/p>\n

Mere accusations of drug use can lead to financial ruin for many South Korean celebrities. For instance, BMW <\/span>erased images of G-Dragon<\/span><\/a> in its online promotional images and videos due to the \u201cdeteriorating public sentiment\u201d that resulted from allegations of drug use. Similarly, multiple South Korean retailers <\/span>rushed to cut ties<\/span><\/a> with Yoo Ah-in, who had been their brand ambassador.<\/span><\/p>\n

The question is why so many South Koreans seem to hold celebrities to such high moral and ethical standards when, in Western countries, public figures are not usually held to such standards. For instance, Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., known professionally as Snoop Dogg, an American rapper and actor, launched his <\/span>branded line of cannabis products<\/span><\/a> in 2015. Similarly, <\/span>John Boehner<\/span><\/a>, a former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, sits on the board of Acreage Holdings, a marijuana investment firm.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unlike many of their Western counterparts, South Korean celebrities are under constant scrutiny to uphold a clean, wholesome public persona, placing them under immense pressure.<\/span><\/p>\n

CedarBough Saeji, an assistant professor specializing in Korean and East Asian studies at Pusan National University, shared her insights on the nature of K-pop stars\u2019 appeal. Saeji explains that K-pop idols represent more than just musical talent; they embody a form of attainable success.<\/span><\/p>\n

K-pop stars are not portrayed as geniuses but instead marketed as \u201ca neoliberal fantasy\u201d of hardworking individuals whose achievements are within the realm of possibility for the average person, Saeji told <\/span>Korea Pro<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

This attainable image that resonates with so many fans, Saeji notes, is a crucial part of their allure. It not only inspires fans with the idea that they, too, can realize their ambitions for stardom through dedication but also provides a foundation for fans to feel a sense of personal connection with their idols.<\/span><\/p>\n

This connection fosters what is known as a parasocial relationship. In this one-sided psychological attachment, an individual becomes emotionally invested in a public figure, such as a celebrity or media personality, despite having no reciprocal interaction with them.<\/span><\/p>\n

This parasocial relationship often leads businesses that employ Korean celebrities as their brand ambassadors to <\/span>demand that they maintain their clean image<\/span><\/a> to serve as a blank canvas upon which fans can construct a fantasy of closeness and, perhaps, bolster sales.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"

An illustration of a South Korean celebrity under pressure from social media platforms | Image: Korea Pro<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

JILTED FANS<\/b><\/p>\n

Such high expectations, however, have a downside. Fans often develop deep emotional and financial investments in their idols, leading to intense reactions when these celebrities fall from grace. Instances like actor Yoo Ah-in being <\/span>hit by a bottle of coffee<\/span><\/a> thrown by a disgruntled fan after a court appearance for drug charges exemplify the extreme reactions that can occur.<\/span><\/p>\n

Saeji elaborated further on the depth of fans\u2019 involvement with K-pop idols. Fans support their idols not only through emotional attachment but also by making substantial financial contributions. Their dedication extends to purchasing music, streaming songs, attending concerts and actively promoting the idols on social media.<\/span><\/p>\n

The pervasive role of social media, such as Instagram, intensifies the visibility of celebrities\u2019 lives. With one of the highest rates of internet usage and smartphone penetration worldwide, information and rumors about celebrities spread rapidly, subjecting their lives to continuous public scrutiny.<\/span><\/p>\n

Further, the level of investment in time and money that fans put into their favorite idols often makes them feel almost as if they have played a part in nurturing the idol\u2019s career from their inception to stardom, Saeji told <\/span>Korea Pro<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

As a result, when feelings of personal aspirations and closeness induced by parasocial relationships combine with the far-reaching nature of social media platforms, allegations of drug abuse can often lead to South Korean fans feeling betrayed and questioning their idols\u2019 integrity or worthiness, thus profoundly affecting the fan base.<\/span><\/p>\n

NAVIGATING CHANGE<\/b><\/p>\n

Despite an uptick in drug use among its youth and a series of high-profile celebrity drug scandals, there is little indication that South Korea\u2019s rigid attitude toward drugs will soften in the near term. The enduring strength of societal norms and <\/span>the government\u2019s commitment to a drug-free image<\/span><\/a> suggest a continued emphasis on strict enforcement and stringent public morality standards.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, this steadfast approach raises critical questions about adaptability and responsiveness in an era of global interconnectedness and shifting attitudes toward drug use. While the current trend does not hint at an imminent policy change, it may spark deeper societal conversations about the effectiveness and implications of such rigid policies, especially in the context of youth drug use and the evolving role of public figures.<\/span><\/p>\n

In celebrity culture, the unforgiving scrutiny faced by public figures who falter may be questioned as international perspectives increasingly influence South Korean society, especially among younger generations.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ultimately, how South Korea navigates these issues will be indicative of its ability to reconcile long-held cultural values with emerging societal challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n

Edited by John Lee<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Business & Economy<\/span><\/a>Culture & Society<\/span><\/a>Domestic Politics<\/span><\/a><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In South Korea, a longstanding image of being virtually \u201cdrug-free\u201d has been a point of pride. However, recent trends and high-profile cases are prompting a reevaluation of this narrative, suggesting a potential shift in the country\u2019s relationship with drugs. From the societal stigma associated with drug use to the rising concern over youth experimentation and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10407,"featured_media":2202866,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[24,25,27],"yoast_head":"\nUnpacking South Korea\u2019s strict drug policy amid celebrity scandals - KOREA PRO<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2023\/11\/unpacking-south-koreas-strict-drug-policy-amid-celebrity-scandals\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Unpacking South Korea\u2019s strict drug policy amid celebrity scandals - KOREA PRO\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"In South Korea, a longstanding image of being virtually \u201cdrug-free\u201d has been a point of pride. 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