Veteran Actress Questions Harsh Treatment of Kim Soo-hyun: “Why Are Celebrities Treated Worse Than Criminals?”
On March 18, Kim Bu-seon uploaded a video on her YouTube channel, Kim Bu-seon TV, titled “Celebrities Have Fewer Rights Than Serial Killers!” In the video, she criticized the way society treats celebrities and addressed the recent controversy surrounding Kim Soo-hyun’s alleged relationship with a minor.
Kim Bu-seon began by discussing the tragic passing of actress Kim Sae-ron. “I watched a video about a young actress who tragically passed away, and I was completely devastated. More than 80% of the comments were malicious, as if people were celebrating. It made me realize how sick our society is. How can people be so cruel in the face of someone’s death?” she lamented.
She continued, “She lost her life at a young age after being criticized for drunk driving. Even in death, she is still subjected to hate comments. It’s terrifying. Was she the only actress who ever drove under the influence? She paid the social price, she lost her career. Yet even after passing away, she still has to endure pain and criticism.”
Kim Bu-seon then addressed the recent allegations against Kim Soo-hyun, which were initially raised by a YouTuber claiming he had been in a relationship with Kim Sae-ron since she was 15. She strongly criticized these accusations, calling them cowardly. “This is cowardly. Can’t men and women date? Aren’t we living in an era where freedom of expression is valued? Yet, celebrities’ rights are not even as protected as those of serial killers,” she fumed.
She also pointed out the hypocrisy in public scrutiny, saying, “”People wouldn’t dare say a word against the wives of powerful figures, yet they relentlessly target vulnerable celebrities like Kim Sae-ron, Wheesung, and even me. And now, because they need a new scapegoat, they are trying to carry out a witch hunt against the young actor Kim Soo-hyun.” She questioned why people harshly criticize celebrities for common human mistakes, arguing that if no one was directly harmed, there is no justification for such malicious attacks.
Kim Bu-seon concluded by condemning the treatment of celebrities, stating, “You treat powerless celebrities like Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung worse than serial killers. Don’t celebrities pay taxes? Don’t they have voting rights? We, too, are someone’s precious child, someone’s parent, and we are human beings with rights. There is absolutely no reason to treat us with such contempt.”
Meanwhile, the YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute claimed, citing statements from the late Kim Sae-ron’s family, that she had been in a relationship with Kim Soo-hyun for six years, starting when she was 15. However, Kim Soo-hyun’s side refuted the allegations, stating that while they had dated, their relationship only began after Kim Sae-ron became an adult.
The controversy surrounding Kim Soo-hyun continues to spark debate, with public opinion divided over the accusations and the treatment of celebrities in general. While some demand further clarification, others echo Kim Bu-seon’s concerns about the excessive scrutiny and harsh judgment faced by those in the entertainment industry. As discussions unfold, the issue raises broader questions about privacy, media responsibility, and the ethical boundaries of online discourse.
Kim Bu-seon, born in 1961, is a veteran South Korean actress. She is remembered for her roles in dramas such as Phoenix, Hwang Jin Yi, and Monster. Kim is also the mother of actress Lee Ru-an (born in 1988), who appeared in Hwang Jin Yi, Reply 1994, and Return, among others.