“Lovely Runner” Kim Hye Yoon’s Surge In Popularity Sparks Backlash

Fans are upset with Lovely Runner actress Kim Hye Yoon‘s label.

Kim Hye Yoon | @hye_yoon1110/Instagram

On May 9, several news reports shared that fans were not happy with Kim Hye Yoon’s label, Artist Company. Kim Hye Yoon is currently one of Korea’s fastest-rising stars, thanks in large part to her appearance in the K-Drama phenomenon, Lovely Runner.

Poster for Lovely Runner

Previously, Kim Hye Yoon joined Artist Company, one of Korea’s most influential acting houses and home to top stars Lee Jung Jae, Jung Woo Sung, and Lim Ji Yeon, last month.

Some of the actors represented by Artist Company

Despite the agency’s impressive repertoire, many fans of Kim Hye Yoon feel that the label isn’t doing enough to support the actress. Currently, the agency’s Instagram is flooded with comments demanding they do a better job of promoting the actress. It’s worth mentioning that almost all of the Korean comments below seem to have been written by international fans.

• “Why aren’t you promoting Kim Hye Yoon? The labels of her co-stars are doing their best to capitalize on the K-Drama’s popularity, but what in the world are you guys doing…? Also, does it make any sense that her photo isn’t even on your website?”
• “Hello, Artist Company! Please promote actress Hye Yoon. Hye Yoon’s K-Drama is really popular, so please make it into a variety show!”

• “Please work hard so that Hye Yoon can feel her popularity! The drama is almost over, but you guys haven’t done any promotions. Please have her appear on variety shows or have her participate in business advertisements. What is the agency able to do for her? If you guys aren’t going to do anything, I hope you guys shut down.”
• “Don’t play dead like YG. If the actor is working this hard, the label need to support her well. You guys aren’t doing anything.

What are your thoughts?