Why every celebrity moment becomes a scandal in Korea

A single photo.

A five-second gesture.

A plate of food.

In South Korea's entertainment industry, even the smallest actions by celebrities are increasingly turning into online controversies, fueling debate over whether public scrutiny has crossed the line into what Korean internet users call "eokkka" — criticism that is seen as forced or unreasonable.

Recent examples involving broadcaster Kim Na-young and IVE member Jang Won-young have reignited discussion about the growing fatigue surrounding viral online outrage.

Kim recently addressed, for the second time, criticism over what some viewers called an "insufficient meal" she prepared for her two sons.

In a video uploaded Thursday to her YouTube channel, “NofilterTV,” Kim demonstrated a carbonara recipe from one of her favorite restaurants.

As she cooked, she emphasized that she was preparing a generous portion.

When the production staff jokingly asked whether she had been affected by the previous criticism, Kim laughed and admitted she had.

"Yes," she said.

"It feels like everyone is watching to see whether I cook too much or too litt ...