Trending Now: Bitter truths behind celebrity friendships in Korea – Fans React

Can genuine friendship exist in the entertainment industry? Affectionate moments between celebrities like calling one another “best friends” or physical closeness often become a form of content consumed by the public. At times, these relationships function as a kind of asset, helping to enhance one another’s image.

Superficial relationships exist in every field, but the entertainment world is viewed differently because even private relationships are exposed and consumed in real time. As a result, friendship is weighted differently than in most industries, and it is far more easily commercialized.

A single photograph with the right person can raise someone’s brand value, while one controversy can instantly turn that same proximity into a liability. That is why when a scandal breaks, friendships are often the first thing to disappear.

Recently, an idol group member became embroiled in controversy. Several entertainers who had previously appeared to have close ties quickly deleted photos and posts showing or mentioning the idol. When a celebrity faces a scandal or legal issue, even “best friends” often remove social media follows, likes and tags without hesitation. Avoiding mentioning their name or avoiding on-air interactions becomes common.

YouTube creators can be even more direct. Among digital influencers, “cut-off editing” has become routine. When a collaborator becomes embroiled in controversy, entire videos are deleted or the contentious person’s scenes are neatly removed. Even when creators have described each other as “family,” many prioritize protecting themselves when faced with negative public sentiment.

Perhaps this is why numerous celebrities openly say they do not have celebrity friends. The sentiment reflects the structural difficulties of the industry. One actress said in an old interview that while she has many acquaintances in the entertainment world, “there are only a few I would call true friends.” A singer said, “It is hard for celebrities to be friends with other celebrities. Misunderstandings arise easily.” A senior actor with decades in the industry put it bluntly: “There are no friends in the entertainment industry. They are simply people you work with.”

In a field where attention, image and risk management dictate survival, purely personal friendships are often pushed aside. Many moments that appear to show closeness end up feeling more like curated intimacy, a business-like exchange of influence, rather than genuine bonds.

Instead of demanding loyalty from celebrities, it may be worth questioning whether their world ever allows room for true friendship in the first place. As bleak as it sounds, friendship in entertainment may be less an emotional tie and more a survival strategy. If anyone chooses to stay by someone’s side until the end, that decision goes beyond calculation — and may be among the rare, precious relationships that the industry still permits.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.