[Yonhap Photo]
Kim Yoo-jung, a rising K-pop star, was hospitalized after collapsing this week. Her agency blamed her tight schedule for causing a stress-induced shock but many fans cited senseless online criticism pointed at the 17-year-old.
According to Sidus HQ, Kim was hospitalized Monday and would not be able to attend promotional events for a film "Because I Love You". "We are very worried about Kim's condition. We cannot decide whether she should carry on with her end of the year schedule or not," it said in a statement.
The statement was somewhat reminiscent of last week's announcement when she was hospitalized with a bad cold after being caught up in an online controversy for taking an insincere attitude at a promotional event. She showed distracted movements, fidgeting around while making on-stage greetings.
Now fans blast some online community users who lashed at Kim, saying she is just 17 years old. "It was something a distracted girl could have done. People should loosen up their standards on her," said "NightRacoon" from Clien, one of the country's largest online communities. Another user "Ukja" said: "It's something a celebrity must go through. I hope Kim endures it well."
Cyberbullying, coupled with reckless online criticism, has been a serious social issue that sometimes led to suicide.
Last year, singer IU was the target of cyber bullying led by female-centered communities who accused the 23-year-old of using sexual metaphors in her track "Twenty Three". That's still on the lips of some online community users until today.
Sulli, a former member of girl group f(x), has been under constant attack by some online users who disliked the singer-actress for her daring Instagram images. She was also accused of having hidden sexual metaphors. Sulli was hospitalized in November with a wrist injury, sparking rumors that the wound was the result of an attempted suicide, although her Instagram post said her injury was a mistake.
Sulli, a former member of girl group f(x), has been under constant attack by some online users who disliked the singer-actress for her daring Instagram images. She was also accused of having hidden sexual metaphors. Sulli was hospitalized in November with a wrist injury, sparking rumors that the wound was the result of an attempted suicide, although her Instagram post said her injury was a mistake.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com