Korean drama “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha” star Kim Seon-ho is one of the top 10 overall trending searches on Google in South Korea in 2021.
Google revealed the Year in Search 2021, which summarized the trending search topics globally and by country.
“Lists are based on search terms that had the highest spike this year as compared to the previous year,” according to Google.
In the overall trending searches in South Korea in 2021, Kim Seon-ho placed sixth, the only person in the top 10.
On Oct. 17, a woman, who said she was her former girlfriend, posted online accusing Kim Seon-ho of forcing her to abort their baby in July 2020 on the false promise of marriage and living together. The post was made just hours before the last episode of “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha” aired.
Kim Seon-ho broke his silence on Oct. 20 when he issued a statement to say, “I would like to apologize for making a late statement with my fear of watching my own name constantly being mentioned in many articles,” the Korea Herald reported.
“Though we were in a relationship with good feelings to each other, I have hurt her with my carelessness and inconsiderate actions. I would like to apologize in person, but I am currently waiting some time to ask forgiveness. I would like to say sorry with this writing,” the 35-year-old star said.
He added that “it seems like I forgot about the people who have supported me to become the actor Kim Seon-ho. I would like to, once again, apologize for causing trouble to the people who have worked with me. I know my writing is insufficient for an apology, but I would like to express my sincerity. I am sorry.”
Kim Seon-ho’s career was turned upside down because of the controversy. He left the reality TV show “2 Days & 1 Night” and was out of the films “Dog Days” and “2 O'clock Date.” Advertisers also removed his photos and videos on social media.
His former girlfriend posted online on Oct. 20 and wrote, “I am sorry that my writing has caused unintentional damage to many people.”
“There was a time when both he and I truly loved each other but I also feel bad to see him collapse in an instant due to some of my extreme posts. I received an apology from him and it seems that there was a misunderstanding between us,” she said.
Korean media revealed that the former girlfriend is Choi Young Ah, a former weathercaster for Korean TV channels YTN and KBS, who now works as an influencer and owner of an online shopping site.
The succeeding revelations by Korean media from their friends and acquaintances refuted her allegations and swayed the Korean public’s opinion in favor of Kim Seon-ho.
Companies resumed their ads featuring Kim Seon-ho. He was able to resume his career and his debut film, “Sad Tropics,” proceeded.
According to Google, searches about Kim Seon-ho peaked from Oct. 17 to 23, reaching 100 in value, “the peak popularity for the term.”
Here are the overall trending searches, drama/entertainment and movies in Google Year in Search 2021 in South Korea:
Overall Trending Searches
1. Roblox
2. COVID-19 vaccine appointment
3. Squid Game
4. Tesla stock
5. Bitcoin
6. Kim Seon-ho
7. Find a COVID-19 vaccination agency
8. Samsung Electronics stock
9. PopCat
10. Lost Ark
Drama/Entertainment
1. Squid Game
2. The Uncanny Counter
3. Money Game
4. Mr. Queen
5. Arcane
6. D.P.
7. Work Later, Drink Now
8. Transferring Love
9. Joseon Exorcist
10. The Veil
Movie
1. Kimetsu no Yaiba: Kyōdai no Kizuna
2. Eternals
3. The Medium
4. Space Sweepers
5. Black Widow
6. Dune
7. Escape from Mogadishu
8. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
9. Cruella
10. Venom: Let There Be Carnage