The Korean entertainment industry is full of talented and beautiful stars, but fame doesn’t always come with love. These five actresses have faced intense public backlash for various reasons, from personal scandals to perceived lack of acting skills. Here are the top 5 most hated Korean actresses.
Kim Min Hee – From Award-Winning Actress to “The Other Woman”
Once hailed for her elegant acting in “Helpless,” “Very Ordinary Couple,” and internationally acclaimed “The Handmaiden,” Kim Min Hee saw her career spiral downward after her affair with married director Hong Sang Soo. Despite going public with the relationship and continuing to work together, she was labeled a “homewrecker” by the Korean public. The backlash was so strong that she vanished from mainstream media and has not appeared in any Korean projects since.
Shin Se Kyung – “Emotionless” and Blamed for a 16-Year-Old Ending
Shin Se Kyung rose to fame through “High Kick Through the Roof” and later starred in major dramas like “A Girl Who Sees Smells” and “Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung.” However, she has long been criticized for her “blank” expressions and lack of emotional range. An unconfirmed rumor also linked her to the controversial ending of “High Kick,” branding her as the “villain” of Korean TV for over 16 years, even though she had no control over the script.
Seo Shin Ae – From Child Star to Controversial Figure
Known for her role in “High Kick Through the Roof,” Seo Shin Ae never managed to recapture that fame as she transitioned into adult roles. In 2021, she gained attention after indirectly accusing someone of bullying her in the past, suspected to be Soojin from (G)I-DLE. While some supported her, others accused her of stirring drama to regain the spotlight, leading to a polarizing image.
Han Ye Seul – Talented but “Unprofessional”?
With her striking Western-style beauty, Han Ye Seul once seemed poised to become a leading star. Despite popular roles in “Couple or Trouble” and “Birth of a Beauty,” critics often called her acting shallow. In 2011, she abruptly left the set of “Spy Myung Wol” mid-filming and flew to the U.S., causing massive production chaos. Though she later apologized, her reputation took a serious hit and many still remember her as the actress with “star attitude.”
Hwayoung – From Victim to Alleged Villain of T-ARA Scandal
Originally seen as the bullied member of T-ARA, Hwayoung received public sympathy after leaving the group. She landed roles in dramas like “Mad Dog” and “Hello, My Twenties!.” But in 2017, evidence surfaced suggesting she and her sister may have actually caused conflict within the group. Public opinion shifted drastically, and she has since struggled to recover her image, being labeled the true “villain” of the infamous T-ARA saga.
