[Hot Takes from the Noonas] Kim You-jung hospitalized repeatedly amidst controversy

Kim You-jung, the teenage star of "Love in the Moonlight" has been hospitalized for a second time due to stress. The actress has been under public scrutiny in the past week for perceived misbehaviour.

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Video circulated online of Kim You-jung at a December 20 preview screening for her upcoming film, "Because I Love You", acting distracted while fellow cast members were formally greeting the audience. She was criticized for showing attitude by leaning on one leg, and focusing on her nails. However, the actress did greet the audience with the standard 90 degree bow.

In the aftermath, Kim You-jung released a public apology, cancelled promotional events, and checked into a hospital, blaming a severe cold. On December 26, she was hospitalized a second time with stress-induced anxiety being given as the reason.

This is Kim You-jung's personal introduction to how harsh the celebrity spotlight can be in the Korean entertainment industry. Until this point, the teenager has enjoyed universal adoration and a meteoric rise to fame. It seems cruel to submit a 17 year-old to such a critical maelstrom, but it is better that she learns how to navigate public relations while Korean netizens are willing to blame her behaviour on passing youthful ignorance rather than a permanent character flaw.

Indeed, Korean netizens appear sympathetic towards Kim You-jung since the second hospitalization. If the young actress can recover her mental health and still retains a desire to act, her career should easily survive this controversy.

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