Shocking History of Sponsorship Proposals to Female Celebrities: 90 Million Won for 3 Hours?
On May 6, Jeon Se-hyun posted a screenshot of a direct message (DM) containing the proposal on her social media, along with the caption, “If you know it’s rude, don’t do it. If you do it again, I’ll report you. What do you take people for? Do I look like a joke to you?”
The DM Jeon received read, “I apologize in advance for being rude since you’re a public figure. If we meet, I will fully disclose my identity. I’d like to see each other twice a month while respecting each other’s privacy. In return, I will provide financial support. Payment will be made upfront. I can pay up to ₩50 million in advance. If you’re interested, send me a DM and I’ll explain in detail. I’m sorry if this message was inappropriate.”
Jeon Se-hyun debuted in 2005 with the film Innocent Steps. She has appeared in dramas such as The Slave Hunters, Empress Ki, Mrs. Cop, Five Enough and Strong Girl Namsoon, and in films including First Love, Missing, The Beast and B Cut.
This is not the first time a female celebrity has spoken out about receiving a sponsorship offer.
Previously, Jang Hye-ri, a former Girl’s Day member turned trot singer, revealed she had received such a proposal early in her career. In a YouTube interview from March, she recalled, “I once attended a drinking gathering with a well-known company CEO. He had male rookies perform songs too. Then he told me, ‘If you become my girlfriend, I’ll make you a star’.”
Former Chakra member Bona shared a similar story on YouTube in 2023.
“I was trying to get a song so I could promote solo, and when I met with a composer, he told me, ‘If we have a relationship, I’ll take care of everything—your album, spending money, whatever.’ He even claimed, ‘Other celebrities beg me for this—I never even offer first.’ It was so humiliating. I wanted to lash out, but I decided to just quietly cut ties. I felt so bitter.”
Entertainer Go Mal-sook also exposed an alarming DM she received in 2024.
“We’d like to invite you to a private gathering for a day. You’ll be required to sign a confidentiality agreement before the event. No information will be leaked. You can wear a mask. We’re looking for about 3 hours of your time, offering around 90 million KRW. The payment will be wired in advance externally before anything proceeds.”
Jo Min-ah, a former member of Jewelry, and comedian Maeng Seung-ji have also expressed outrage over similar experiences.
