The internet is in turmoil. A big fanbase of F(x) and Girl's Generation was literally destroying Jae-ho's meager fanbase online. At the same time, numerous reporters and fans surrounded the gates of both companies.
The Chosun Ilbo's entertainment section headline-
[Exclusive in-depth analysis] The dark side of K-Pop: The dark side of our entertainment industry was revealed through Choi Jae-ho's phone. An investigation by our reporters revealed that Choi Jae-ho frequently visited bars and clubs, using his identity as a "singer" and "musical artist" to approach young girls, female artists and models. He administered drugs or pills (illegal substances) on the drinks of his victims, making them unconscious. He then proceeded to rape the unconscious victims and record the process. From the police, we found out that his phone contained hundreds of videos, with victims presumably mostly ordinary young girls or newcomers. Police have established a special task force, and the case is expected to have far-reaching implications. We hope the victims will get justice and Choi Jae-ho will be punished accordingly.
JoongAng Ilbo Entertainment Section:
"A textbook example of an amazing crisis public relations? JYP and SM entertainment's quick and decisive response is truly astonishing. Analysis indicates that SM and JYP completed the entire process- internal investigation, police report, hospitalization, and public statement- within hours of the incident's outbreak. This strong stance firmly focused public opinion on 'protection of artist's rights' and 'condemning the crimes' effectively protecting the all the involved artist's image and portraying future debutant Kim Seo-jun as a positive role model, turning the crisis into a boost to the brand image. JYP entertainment took an extra excellent step. JYP, not only issued announcements regarding the incident and condemned the crime but also issued the announced that they have a solo debutant onboard. Within minutes after publishing their announcement, they publicized the information on Kim Seo-jun, the young hero who uncovered the heinous plot of Choi Jae-ho, a criminal mastermind."
KBS news:
"Breaking news! F(x)'s Sulli was nearly drugged by another male artist, Choi Jae-ho but was stopped by an JYP trainee and future debutant! SM and JYP both have reported the incident to the police, and a large amount of video evidence of the crime was found on the suspect's phone! Girls' Generation's Tiffany and Kim Hyoyeon were injured in the altercation and taken to the hospital. SM has confirmed they will be on a hiatus to keep their health on track. JYP Entertainment confirmed that 2PM's Nichkhun was also present at the time and tried to stop the crime. Additionally, from JYP entertainment, we learnt that Kim Seo-jun-ssi is a once in a lifetime prodigy in music and is personally the favorite of Park Jin-young. Is this another forthcoming of RAIN?"
Yonhap News Agency:
"Hero Trainee" Kim Seo-jun —A Beacon of Justice in the Dark Night. This article details how Kim Seo-jun, a trainee at JYP Entertainment and a future debutant, cleverly recorded a video containing the criminal act and bravely intervened in time of danger, not only saving a top idol but also potentially uncovering a criminal syndicate. Industry insiders describe his 'calmness and courage far beyond his years.' Even SM Entertainment insiders reveal that their senior management speaks highly of him."
Naver Entertainment Hot Topics:
"Please punish this devil severely!"
Global fans' anger ignited online. The fan clubs of F(x) and Girls' Generation jointly issued a statement demanding severe punishment for the perpetrator and thanking the trainee Kim Seo-jun. Hashtags such as "#ProtectSulli", "#Protect "#ThankYouKimSeojun" have swept across social media.
"Kim Seo-jun, a prodigy?"
Just after JYP published its announcement of the incident, it also updated detailed information of Kim Seo-jun to properly promote him. JYP's website officially updated his debut date, age, face and linguistic skills. They highlighted his songwriting and unique vocal as his focal point. They also highlighted that he is in charge of composing and making the lyrics of his songs. South Korean's were in bliss. A 17 year old who knows the ins and outs of music, last time, only GD of BigBang was like this, making his own songs. Everyone knows how legendary GD is. Everyone had one thought in their mind- A potential no.1 solo male artist on the horizon?
"With that face and skills, he should just make his debut in April"
"A complete package. What doesn't he have? Looks, voice, songwriting talent, composing and most importantly courage to stand against darkness. For his morality, he deserves to be popular."
"I will buy atleast 10 albums in May for his actions today"
Fan clubs of F(x) and Girl's Generation supported him highly, emphasizing they will buy his album upon its release. The other fanbases like Kara, T-ara, Bigbang, 2ne1, super junior etc. also supported him. After all, in times of criminal cases, almost all fan groups stay consistent with speeches.
As the incident unfolded, it began to trend on social media in countries such as Japan and China.
Almost every news portals top 5 trends were similar-
1. F(x) Sulli was nearly drugged but the attempt failed.
2. Tiffany and Kim Hyoyeon is injured.
3. Kim Seo-jun, a JYP prodigy.
4. Mark the date, May 10.
5.The Dark Side of the South Korean Entertainment Industry.
NHK World Japan's headline in entertainment section:
(March 14, Seoul) – A criminal incident involving an alleged drugging and assault of a well-known female K-Pop idol, Sulli of F(x) occurred in whisper bar in Seoul early on the morning of March 14. At a critical moment, Kim Seo-jun, a trainee of JYP Entertainment, demonstrated remarkable vigilance and a strong sense of justice by promptly gathering evidence and decisively intervening, successfully preventing the crime and protecting the safety of others. His actions have earned high praise from JYP Entertainment, SM Entertainment, the police and from the general public and have also sparked widespread acclaim for his justice and courage on the internet in both Japan and South Korea.
Southern Metropolis Daily:
A night of shock in the entertainment industry on South Korea, the choices and courage of a 17 year old.
On an ordinary night working as a resident singer, a chance phone call thrusts him into the eye of a real crime storm. Kim Seo-jun, a 17-year-old boy from JYP entertainment pursuing his dreams on the South Korean Entertainment industry, becomes a hero on social media in both the South Korea and China because of his sense of justice.
Comments poured in news of all media outlets.
"Awesome! I'm already a fan!!!"
"Wait, when did our entertainment industry become so much chaotic? Drugs? Really."
"Calm, brave, and intelligent! Facing such a situation, the first thing he thought of was recording the conversation as evidence, and he also decisively saved lives. His mental fortitude and ability to act are amazing!"
"Sulli..it breaks my heart. She's had such a hard life since she was little, and now this has happened to her. I hope that after this, SM entertainment can give her a long leave so she can get proper treatment and take better care of herself."
"Choi Jae-ho, you bitch! Shame of South Korea! He must be sentenced to the maximum penalty! And all the other demons on that phone must be found, damn it!"
"I heard there are also 'shared groups' where they circulate the video? The police and government must follow the trail and take down the whole operation."
"SM handled this well. Although we have many complaints about you, your swift action in calling the police, your firm response, and your protection of the artists deserve recognition. In particular, that trainee should be given a substantial reward."
"Sulli, you've really suffered... Please make sure you receive proper treatment. We fans will always be waiting for you."
"F(X) fans must be crying their eyes out right now. Vic-umma [Victoria Song of F(x)] must be heartbroken by now."
"Hopefully this isn't the last straw for her. Keep going, Peach!"
"That trainee, Seo-jun, is true man. In that situation, most people might have backed down for fear of causing trouble. His courage is rare; thank you."
Meanwhile, after Seo-jun finished giving his statement to the police, the legal department and lawyers took care of most of the follow-up work. He only needed to attend court to testify. The company told him to go home, that he didn't need to come to practice for the next few days, and that he wasn't allowed to do any part-time work, and to wait for further instructions from the company.
He was pleased with JYP and Park Jin-young's decisiveness. He created a perfect opportunity for his debut and promoted him too well. He was thinking should he visit the hospital of Tiffany and Sulli and check if they were alright?