Voices condemning a former entertainment journalist turned YouTuber for allegedly causing emotional distress to actress Kim Sae Ron through invasive revelations have gained momentum. The YouTuber's actions are suspected to have contributed to Kim's tragic passing, sparking outrage and calls for action.
A petition titled “Request for Strong Measures to Prevent Harm to Celebrities, Such as Suicides, Caused by YouTube Activities of Entertainment Journalists” garnered over 47,000 signatures on the National Assembly's petition platform by March 13th. The document addresses the concerning trend of YouTubers, especially ex-entertainment journalists, infringing on celebrities' privacy and well-being.
The petitioner, known as A, highlighted the escalating issue of entertainment journalists transitioning to YouTube to sensationalize celebrity lives, often resorting to stalking behaviors. Citing the case of Lee Jin Ho's channel, 'Entertainment President Lee Jin Ho,' with a substantial subscriber base of around 620,000, the petition underscores the detrimental impact of such content.
Describing Kim Sae Ron's unwarranted exposure on social media platforms as distressing, A emphasized the negative repercussions faced by celebrities due to irresponsible reporting practices. The petition aims to prompt discussions on the ethical boundaries of content creation, particularly when it comes to safeguarding public figures' mental health and privacy.
With the hope of triggering legislative action, the petitioner urged the National Assembly to regulate YouTubers who exploit entertainment news for personal gain at the expense of celebrities' well-being. Emphasizing the need for transparent guidelines and oversight mechanisms, A implored authorities to shield individuals in the entertainment industry from online exploitation and invasive behaviors.
The fate of the petition hinges on gathering 50,000 signatures by March 26th, prompting a potential review by the National Assembly's standing committee. The petitioner's plea for intervention resonates with concerns over the unchecked influence of YouTube and the urgency to uphold standards in content production, especially concerning public figures' dignity and rights.