Korean MPs Want To ‘Wipe Out Cyber-violence’ After Sulli’s Death Linked To Hate Comments

Just a few days ago, shocking news gripped the world:

South Korean star, singer-actress Sulli was found dead in her house at around 2.21pm Singapore time on 14 October.

According to the Seongnam Sujeong Police Station, Sulli was found dead by her manager in her house.

The manager had tried to contact her but couldn’t reach her, and thus decided to visit the house.

A police report stated that she had died after hanging herself in her house from the second floor.

In essence, she had committed suicide.

Sulli’s Death Linked To Spiteful Comments From Netizens

Image: Instagram (@jelly_jilli)

The Straits Times reported that Sulli’s death has been linked to spiteful comments the 25-year-old had received from netizens.

She entered the SM audition casting system when she was only 10 years old. When she was 15, the group f(x) was formed. In 2014, she abruptly went on a hiatus for a year due to malicious comments and false rumours.

She later quit the group.

It was reported that she had tried to ask her management agency to tackle these cyberbullies, however, nothing much could be done once they deleted their social media accounts.

For example in July 2019, her agency had announced that they were tracking down 15 netizens. However, they could not pursue the issue after they closed their accounts.

Here’s are some of the things that got her haters triggered as compiled by my colleague:

  • Weight
  • Lazy performances on stage with f(x)
  • Leaving f(x)
  • Dating an older man
  • Not wearing a bra because shes feels uncomfortable with them on
  • Posting photographs of her and her friends partying
  • Identifying as a feminist
  • Getting slammed for voicing her opinions on abortion

Korean Entertainment Management Association To Take Action

Image: Instagram (@jelly_jilli)

Now, the Korean Entertainment Management Association has issued a statement of its intention to wipe out “cyber violence”.

It said, “nothing will be forgiven and strong action will be taken”.

South Korean MPs will are open to the idea of setting up a committee to discuss the introduction of tougher and new regulations.

They will get proposals and ideas from people in the entertainment industry such as artists and even fans themselves.

Some Say This Should’ve Been Done When Shinee Member Committed Suicide In 2017

Some have criticised the association for not doing more back in 2017 when another Korean star committed suicide.

Shinee member Jonghyun committed suicide back in 2017. He was found lying in a room of an apartment unit after inhaling carbon monoxide through lighting coal briquette.

He committed suicide at the age of 27-years-old. Media reports revealed that he had battled depression.

Hopefully, Korea will take serious action and better monitor the entertainment industry from now.

If you know of anyone who needs help, or if you need help yourself, do call the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) 24-hour hotline at 1800-221 4444.