In a matter of days, three big names in South Korea's entertainment industry have made headlines in separate scandals that could derail their careers.
The allegations that have embroiled comedians Park Na-rae and Cho Sae-ho, as well as veteran actor Cho Jin-woong, are all different - ranging from workplace abuse to previous teenage detention to associations with a gang member.
But the results have been the same: departures from the television screens where they had worked their way up to become household names.
The scandals have also raised questions about the standards to which South Korea's public figures are held - especially in the entertainment industry.
What are the scandals about?
Park Na-rae, one of the country's most successful female comedians, made headlines last week when two of her former managers lodged criminal complaints claiming she had verbally abused and physically assaulted them.
The 40-year-old had also made them do her personal chores, they alleged.
Park has denied these allegations and sued the former managers for blackmail, her agency said over the weekend.
She is separately being accused of receiving IV drips illegally at home, which violates the local medical law, local media reported - prompting a police investigation.
On Monday, Park Na-rae announced on social media that she had talked things through with her accusers but would halt all broadcasting activities until things were clearly resolved.
Another comedian who has come under scrutiny is Cho Sae-ho, who faced backlash after rumors surfaced linking him to a gang member. He has since decided to leave popular variety shows as a result.
The most significant fallout has been from veteran actor Cho Jin-woong, who announced his retirement from acting amid allegations from his past regarding robbery and sexual assault as a teenager.
A debate over cancel culture
The allegations against Cho Jin-woong have stirred heated debates about the forgiveness of public figures for past offenses. Some argue that his past mistakes should not determine his future, while others believe that his presence on screen could deeply affect past victims.
The recent scandals not only highlight the precarious nature of celebrity status in South Korea but also question the societal tendency to 'cancel' public figures over perceived missteps. Culture critic Kim Sung-soo remarked that celebrities often become easy targets because their livelihoods depend on public perception.
As Park, Cho Sae-ho, and Cho Jin-woong express their regrets and step back from the limelight, it seems the public is also being called to reflect on the treatment of celebrities and the effects of cancel culture.
