Fans are mass boycotting these Squid Game actors and here's why

In a dramatic turn of events, fans of the globally acclaimed Netflix series Squid Game have turned their back on the show's male cast members. This boycott wave comes in the wake of different allegations of misconduct that have surfaced about different actors from predatory behaviors to bigotry.

Fans on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), are going wild, breaking down the allegations and the problems with South Korea's entertainment industry.

One viral post by user @HorrorHijabi lamented,

"Kind of insane that squid game is tainted by the fact that apparently every other male actor in the show is some sort of predator or bigot..."

This particular tweet received over 4.1 million views and is symbolic of public discontent.

Claims have been particularly harsh over the non-consensual misdeeds and questionable legal actions by actor Lee Jin-wook, offending people's sentiments. Calls for accountability and stricter industry oversight have only grown louder.

Let's move on to understanding the underlying causes of this large-scale boycott and its ramifications on Korean entertainment in general.

What are the allegations against some male cast members of Squid Game?

The boycott gained steam when accusations against lead Lee Jinwook resurfaced. As X user @tastefullysaucy said, Lee was accused of committing an act that involved non-consensual behavior but was later found to have sued the victim for defamation.

There are also allegations and proven criminal records against Lee Jung-jae (DUI and physical assault), Lee Byung-hun (gambling and sexual coercion), Young-chang Song (addiction to underage sex workers) and more.

The new wave of fierce protests, mainly on social media, details the South Korean legal and cultural norms based on the victim's conviction that lacks "violent enough" evidence. Other cast members have also been under barrage for various issues, thus further fueling fan dissatisfaction.

Users like @sakurajacqui were frustrated with how the industry tolerates male offenders:

"Korea as a country is quite lenient towards men who are bigoted or have committed violence against women."

This leniency is quite a stark contrast against the harsh outcomes that female artists have for minor transgressions, like dating or holding political views.

@sapphillean added this remarkable comment:

"Welcome to the SK entertainment industry, where dating as a woman requires public apologies, but rapists and abusers stay in business."

Such observations indicate more systemic issues than in just Squid Game.

Fans’ reaction to the controversial Squid Game cast

The response on social media has been highly negative, with many Squid Game fans feeling frustrated and disappointed.

For instance, @roxanaafs posted, summarizing the general sentiment:

"Disappointment after disappointment."

While some fans argue that art is to be separated from the artist, the most prevalent narrative has been one of calling for accountability.

Referring to the sheer number of allegations, user @Jeeeellyfxsh sarcastically added,

"Last one came out of the syllabus 😭."

However, beyond the irony, these statements resonate with sentiments of shock and betrayal. Famous voices have echoed demands for a change in the system.

Tweets, such as one by @HorrorHijabi, that mention the requirements for more careful casting background checks say,

"Do they not do background checks anymore?"

This is the demand that comes from the realization that entertainment companies have a stake in taking responsibility for their stars' actions.

What does this mean for the Korean entertainment industry?

This scandal reflects some of the long-standing issues within South Korea's entertainment landscape. Accusations against Squid Game actors have amplified criticism over a culture in which male offenders often avoid consequences, whereas female artists face intense scrutiny.

Activists and Squid Game fans alike have demanded a reckoning.

As @SPIRALSAVATAR quipped, sarcastically:

"But some apologized so it’s okay! /sar."

This speaks to the growing frustration with the token apologies commonly employed to sweep legitimate complaints off. Given the global scope of K-entertainment, such issues no longer get swept under the rug; the industry will face increased scrutiny.

In response, fans began actively boycotting not just Squid Game but other problematic actors' projects as well. At the same time, figures such as Gong Yoo, who boast of a squeaky-clean reputation, have become an exception to the rule.

As aptly pointed out by user @sirtorchington: