It may not be what South Korea intended, but if reports are to be believed the K-Pop phenomenon is certainly pushing the boundaries of so-called “soft power.”
According to a report in Korea Times, portals and websites across China have been releasing leaked photos this week of some 37 very well adored Korean “entertainers” (we Goodizens call them ‘Celebs’) prostituting themselves to wealthy Chinese (nouvelle rich ?) en masse, sorry, in drove.
Apparently there are 37 celebs in total involved in a series of leaked photos that were reportedly taken without the women’s knowledge (why can’t they just say ‘Leaked Pics’ … Looks like Korean journos need an intensive course on Scandalous Terminology.). It’s said that while one Chinese site claims to have identified one of the celebs, neither the authenticity of the images or the identity of the women has been authentically verified .. Plenty of speculation though.
One of the 'Korean Sex Scandal Celebrities' ... Guess who is she ? (photo - jinghua.cn)
“It is doubtful that Korean female celebrities are really engaging in prostitution,” some argue.
This, however, failed to stop Chinese Netizens from trying to spot their favorite Korean idols. An article on Jinghua.com entitled, “How many do you recognize” … and the saucy Ginseng pictures have “exploded” (or imploded ? Why can’t they just say spread like wildfire ?) all over the Chinese Internet.
Whining: I have to edit practically every other 2 words (not sentenses) coming out from Korean or Chinese media just so it can make some sense … no way you can steal any article from that part of the world. Don’t even think … not a chance.
Unlike the Korea Times article, the Chinese media really dig in deep to find out the juicy bit despite questions abound on the authenticity of the pictures. The fact that Korea’s female celebrities are often under pressure to provide sexual favors in order to advance their careers is an Open Secret ie. no secret … sorta like I know, you know, but no one talks about it … Must be taboo still in a conservative Confucius society like Korea.
Such so-called “Leaked Pics” have led to some high profile cases in South Korea. The most notable being that of Jang Ja-yeon. Jang’s suicide in 2009 was followed by allegations that she had been forced to become a Sex Slave for some of the country’s most powerful figures, including the head of one of the largest media outlets.
