Global girl group 2NE1 member Park Bom's drug scandal became one of the top news in 2014 being labeled by many as the worst year in the history of K-Pop.
Last year was packed with dating scandals, contract terminations, and tragedies.
South Korea shook with 2NE1's main vocalist having been found to be involved in a drug scandal as news outlets reported that the singer attempted to smuggle drugs in Seoul.
Numerous articles were published on the controversy of the alleged smuggling of drugs while Korean Netizens endlessly judged the artist forcing her to step down from her then current reality show "SBS Roommates," and halt almost all of her activities.
It all started when Segye Ilbo published an article about a 2010 investigation into 2NE1's singer Park Bom smuggling drugs that are illegal in Korea.
Controversy sparked when the publication explored why the investigation ended without the singer's prosecution and suggested that Park was freed from prosecution due to her being favored as a member of a popular girl group.
Prosecution officials then countered that they took the prosecution process seriously and that the vocalist did not receive any special treatment. They examined her medical record and let her off after a proof of prescription from a hospital in the United States, where amphetamines are legally prescribed, was submitted.
In line with this, YG's CEO Yang Hyunsuk wrote a personal letter to the public explaining that the drug therapy was part of a treatment plan that has to deal with a childhood trauma.
He further cleared that Park's busy schedule did not permit her to go to the States so that she had the medication mailed instead. It was then found that the amphetamines were disguised as candy snacks arising more suspicions from the public.
There is a stigma surrounding mental disorders in Korea despite being an advanced country. People with depression were inclined to go through the condition alone due to fear of being judged.
Park deemed that the drugs containing little to no substance of amphetamine did not work for her any longer and had to order the substance from abroad. The amount of the amphetamines shipped to Park was beyond what was allowed in Korea and had to hide it.
Upon discovery, the media flocked on the controversy digging too much into it even though the situation took place from four years ago.
There were speculations that the drug scandal was used to cover up the Sewol tragedy prosecution wherein a total of 304 passengers mostly high school students and crew members died.
The validity of Park's innocence was repeatedly questioned by the media to allegedly divert the public's attention from the tragedy.
Park's career plummeted and had to leave the country to reflect on her actions. News outlets theorize that she could be staying in New York, Milan, or in Japan.
Meanwhile, supporters of Park Bom rejoiced on her resurfacing on Instagram after a year as she liked an Instagram post of fellow member Dara with YG Entertainment new boy group Winner's Seungyoon. 2NE1 is reportedly to come back this year before their contract ends with the agency.
Join the Conversation