Core Viewpoint - The controversy surrounding the Korean actress Jun Ji-hyun's drama "The Circle of Storms" has led to significant backlash from Chinese netizens, resulting in a wave of brand withdrawals and advertising removals related to her [3][4]. Brand Response - Several brands, including Louis Vuitton (LV), La Mer, and Piaget, have removed advertisements featuring Jun Ji-hyun from their official Weibo accounts due to the negative publicity associated with her [3][4]. - The practice of brands distancing themselves from celebrities involved in scandals is common, as seen earlier this year with actor Kim Soo-hyun, who faced similar backlash [4]. Crisis Management Strategy - Industry commentator Zhang Shule suggests that terminating partnerships with controversial figures can mitigate negative impacts on brands. This strategy allows brands to dissociate from the negative sentiment and potentially enhance their image by demonstrating a proactive response [4][5]. - Quick action in severing ties is emphasized as crucial; delays can lead to a stronger association between the brand and the negative publicity [5].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint is that brands commonly remove advertisements or suspend collaborations with celebrities involved in negative news, as seen in the recent controversy surrounding South Korean actress Jun Ji-hyun [1][2] - Following the backlash against Jun Ji-hyun's drama "The Circle of Storms," brands such as Louis Vuitton, La Mer, and Piaget have removed her related advertisements and promotional materials from their official Weibo accounts [1] - The controversy has sparked discussions on social media, with topics related to Jun Ji-hyun trending, indicating significant public interest and potential impact on brand reputation [1] Group 2 - The phenomenon of brands suspending collaborations with celebrities due to negative publicity is not new, as demonstrated by the earlier case of actor Kim Soo-hyun, who faced backlash over his association with actress Kim Sae-ron [2] - Industry commentator Zhang Shule suggests that terminating partnerships with problematic celebrities can serve as a form of "self-cleaning" for brands, allowing them to dissociate from negative sentiments and potentially enhance their positive image [2] - Quick action in terminating collaborations is emphasized as crucial for brands to mitigate the impact of negative publicity and maintain their value positioning in the market [2]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article is that the recent measures announced by the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) to promote television content supply are expected to revitalize the domestic film and television industry, similar to the recovery seen in the gaming sector after the lifting of game license restrictions [1][3] - The measures include promoting the introduction and broadcasting of high-quality foreign programs, which will increase content supply and encourage domestic creators to produce high-quality works [3][4] - The film and television sector experienced a significant market reaction, with stocks of companies like Huace Film & TV and Ciwon Media reaching their daily limit [1][3] Group 2 - The introduction of foreign dramas has been limited for the past decade, and the current global content landscape has changed significantly, with concerns that the quality of foreign content may not impact domestic productions as severely as before [4][6] - The audience for high-quality foreign dramas is primarily young, educated individuals, raising questions about the ongoing appeal of such content to the Z generation [6][7] - The article highlights the historical context of foreign drama imports in China, noting that they were once a significant source of content but have seen a decline due to regulatory restrictions [8][10][11] Group 3 - The article discusses the evolution of the competition among video platforms, emphasizing that the focus has shifted from acquiring foreign content to creating differentiated offerings to attract viewers [5][32] - The rise of domestic web dramas and adaptations of online literature has become the mainstream, as platforms pivot away from foreign dramas due to regulatory challenges and changing audience preferences [31][32] - The article suggests that the return of foreign dramas could serve as a necessary supplement to the declining production of domestic dramas, which has raised concerns within the industry [33][36]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent controversy surrounding South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun, who is facing public backlash due to rumors of a romantic relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron and related debt disputes. Kim Soo-hyun held a press conference to address these issues and deny the allegations against him [1][11]. Group 1: Press Conference and Denials - Kim Soo-hyun held a press conference on March 31, where he expressed his sorrow and apologized, stating that he chose to be an actor over personal relationships [5][6]. - He denied having a romantic relationship with Kim Sae-ron during her underage years and refuted claims that he pressured her regarding debts, which allegedly led to her suicide [8][11]. - Kim Soo-hyun's lawyer announced plans to file a criminal lawsuit against Kim Sae-ron's family and a research institute, seeking 12 billion KRW (approximately 5.916 million RMB) in damages [4][9]. Group 2: Impact on Career and Brand Endorsements - Following the controversy, many brands associated with Kim Soo-hyun have begun to sever ties, with potential penalties for breach of contract estimated to reach up to 100 million USD [13][17]. - Kim Soo-hyun's endorsements span various sectors, including luxury fashion and electronics, with annual endorsement income estimated between 10 billion to 20 billion KRW (approximately 750,000 to 1.5 million USD) [14][16]. - Several brands, including Eider and CJ Group, have already removed his images from their platforms and announced they would not renew contracts, indicating a significant impact on his marketability [16][17].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the tragic life and death of actress Kim Sae-ron, highlighting the systemic issues of exploitation and abuse faced by young women in the South Korean entertainment industry, particularly in relation to power dynamics and societal expectations [4][50][68]. Group 1: Kim Sae-ron's Background and Career - Kim Sae-ron was a child star who began her career at a young age, facing immense pressure and hardship throughout her childhood, which shaped her acting abilities [11][12]. - Despite her early success, including attending the Cannes Film Festival at age 9, her life was marked by personal struggles, including family issues and bullying [15][16]. - After leaving YG Entertainment, her career declined significantly, and she faced public scrutiny following a drunk driving incident, which led to her being labeled as a problematic artist [16][17]. Group 2: Relationship with Kim Soo-hyun - Kim Sae-ron's relationship with actor Kim Soo-hyun began when she was a minor, raising concerns about the power imbalance and exploitation inherent in their relationship [33][68]. - Following their breakup, Kim Sae-ron faced financial difficulties, including a significant debt of 700 million KRW, which was exacerbated by her association with Kim Soo-hyun's agency [40][41]. - The relationship and subsequent fallout contributed to her mental health struggles, leading to her tragic decision to end her life [29][50]. Group 3: Societal and Industry Critique - The article critiques the South Korean entertainment industry for its treatment of female artists, particularly young women, who are often subjected to exploitation and harassment [88][96]. - It highlights a pattern of tragic outcomes for young female stars, drawing parallels between Kim Sae-ron and other deceased artists like Choi Sulli and Goo Hara, suggesting a systemic issue within the industry [52][56]. - The narrative emphasizes the need for societal change to protect vulnerable individuals in the entertainment sector and to address the underlying issues of power and gender inequality [67][89].