The seedy underbelly of South Korea's nightlife has once again been thrust into the spotlight following the release of a damning documentary by the BBC.
At the heart of the exposé lies the notorious Burning Sun scandal, which rocked the nation and implicated high-profile figures, including former BIGBANG member Seungri.
The man in the video is Seungri (BB member) a woman abuser & a fvcking R4PIST 🤮 he is roaming free right now cus SK cares about meaningless things more than actual problems💀
— . 2025 🔜 (@InTheChart) May 19, 2024
This man & all others behind the burning sun scandal Should Be Locked in Prison & never be free again! https://t.co/yZFo2zuIRq pic.twitter.com/PPLlj9z4L7
Burning Sun, once hailed as the pinnacle of luxury and entertainment in Gangnam, now stands as a desolate reminder of the atrocities that occurred within its walls.
The BBC documentary, released on May 19, shed light on the club's dark secrets, revealing it to be a den of prostitution, illegal filming (molka), drug abuse, and sexual violence.
When Burning Sun first opened its doors, it quickly became the crown jewel of Gangnam's nightlife scene.
Its opulent interior, pulsating dance floors, and exclusive VIP rooms drew crowds of partygoers eager to experience its extravagance.
However, behind the glitz and glamour lurked a sinister reality. The documentary presents a stark juxtaposition between Burning Sun's heyday and its current state of abandonment.
i watched this whole documentary and fact in end they said burning sun scandal changed nothing and all those crimes are still being committed everyday in these clubs in korea is so horrifying https://t.co/YYn5Nace7U
— appy (@sooyashosie) May 19, 2024
Once bustling with life, the club now lies in ruins, its once vibrant dance floors now covered in debris and dust.
The BBC documentary takes viewers on a harrowing journey through the depths of Burning Sun, exposing its darkest secrets.
Gang rape, trafficking, drugging women, video distribution of them raping women. All the convicts of burning sun scandal are now roaming free, having careers & enjoying life. One of the journalists investigating it was harassed so much by their fans she suffered two miscarriages. https://t.co/jQPrfwtLl6
— inqilāb (@tastefullysaucy) May 19, 2024
One of the most chilling revelations is the existence of a secret hidden room, accessible only to VIPs who paid exorbitant sums for access.
I visited Burning Sun Club my first time in Oct 2018 just before the scandal broke out in November. The moment I entered the club things just felt 'Off' and a lot of parts in the club were not 'Accessible' for normal people like mehttps://t.co/8jmMmwH2Ef
— Radius Khor 코 뤼 양 (@RadiusKhor) May 20, 2024
Within this clandestine chamber, women were reportedly drugged and subjected to unspeakable acts of violence against their will.
READ MORE:'Burning Sun' Documentary Reveals How 'Molka' Victim & Late Goo Hara Helped to Uncover Case
The infamous red bathroom, a symbol of the club's depravity, was also featured prominently in the documentary.
Videos of drugged women being assaulted in the bathroom circulated on pornographic websites, further highlighting the extent of Burning Sun's depravity.
No they're not. They're bringing to light testimony of a rape victim who was drugged at Burning Sun and then violently assaulted. Seungri was part owner and active administrator of this club. pic.twitter.com/5MvUoqn2Cn https://t.co/LZPGXOatPa
— dutchesskpop (@DutchessKpop) May 19, 2024
The Burning Sun scandal first came to light in 2019, prompting widespread outrage and calls for justice.
justice system is shit and horrible because why bastards who are involved in the burning sun scandal is still roaming around freely while those innocent victims are still suffering. what a world we live in, they may rot in hell. https://t.co/hCcLMBSv5c
— ☆ (@kyungmoonrose) May 19, 2024
While several individuals, including Seungri, faced legal repercussions, many believe that justice has yet to be fully served.
The release of the BBC documentary serves as a stark reminder of the need for accountability and reform within South Korea's nightlife industry.
Burning Sun scandal, “Women were being drvgged inside the nightclub, and s3xually assaulted by men attending the club.” — @bbcworldservice
— LisaVote50 (@LisaVote50) May 19, 2024
Burning Sun: Exposing the secret K-pop chat groups - BBC World Service D... https://t.co/2CGxn8WhTW via @YouTube pic.twitter.com/eQF7lcUZbU
It is imperative that steps are taken to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals, free from the specter of exploitation and violence.
As the nation grapples with the fallout from the Burning Sun scandal, one thing remains clear: the wounds inflicted by this dark chapter in South Korea's history will not heal easily.
sk laws are a fcknn joke, why seungri the head of burning sun scandal roaming out free https://t.co/Ni5m8AwJLx pic.twitter.com/DVHP78X3r7
— ⁷ (@tanniesforevrr) May 19, 2024
Only through transparency, accountability, and a commitment to justice can meaningful change be achieved.
BBC posted a docu abt burning sun scandal with unreleased videos & messages between sngri, JJY & choi jnghoon🤢
— 드닝 (@gol3naotc) May 19, 2024
The reporter who published the case said she also got a call from Hara saying she wants to help :( Hara was the one who confirmed the “police” who was part of the GC… pic.twitter.com/Hko3a6Ch5H
The Burning Sun nightclub may have closed its doors, but its legacy continues to haunt the collective conscience of a nation grappling with the fallout from its sordid past.
KpopStarz owns this article.
Written by Cassidy Jones