Categories: K-dramas

Song Joong Ki’s Endorsements Drop After Divorce While Song Hye Kyo Maintains Hers, K-dramas Reportedly Adding Divorce Clause to Contracts Now

This is kinda a funny story, and not what I expected from the general trend of K-ent fallout. Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Kyo‘s high profile divorce was finalized at the end of July, a month after he filed in mid-June. Both are Korea’s top stars and have massive endorsement hauls. K-news is reporting that since the divorce filing, Song Joong Ki has lost quite a few endorsements while conversely Song Hye Kyo has maintained hers. Normally it’s the woman getting raked over the coals in Korea’s patriarchal society so I am surprise that she’s coming out the career winner between the two. Of course this is just the current state of things, each needs to keep producing hits to maintain their popularity in the long run.

Speaking of which, K-ent is also noting that drama production houses are adding a “divorce clause” into the contracts of lead stars – one would pay a penalty of three times the salary for the drama if a star were to get divorced during a drama airing. Production houses view the relatively lackluster ratings for Arthdal Chronicles as due to Song Joong Ki’s divorce being a distraction and negative news and want to prevent that from happening again. Unless a divorce filing HAS to happen immediately, I think stars owe it to their costars and production staff to delay such news until after a drama airs so as to not potentially impact it negatively. But for Arthdal I think it’s totally not due to Song Joong Ki’s divorce at all.

ockoala

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  • I mainly think its because joong ki's action regarding the divorce came as aggresive whereas hye kyo's side was all silent so of course joong ki will be portrayed as the bad guy which equates to bad image and loss of endorsement. Nways, Arthal is still not my cup of tea before and after divorce issue.

    • I think his endorsements drop is a combination the dismal performance for Arthdal and Battleship, exacerbated by the divorce. He was always so savvy in choosing his projects, selecting those with substance, renowned writers/PDs and in the last 2 years he's gone for the big blockbuster productions where his acting chops are not used to their full potential.
      He's likely just a good project away from being on top again. He is a really good actor and despite the divorce has cultivated good will from viewers/public all his career.

  • His cfs already drop before divorce. I think its drop when he is marriage. I dont like SJK but I admit he sacrifaced his fanbase for marrying shk. And now he cant compete with other actors, he only has big name but not fanbase. While shk didnt have any competitor, JJH and KTH in zzz mode right now so... This is predictable

    • I agree with you about him decreasing in value when he married her. I dont like SHK so when he married her I stopped watching his works. But now I will start watching him again. Divorce is mostly nasty, whoever said you had to be considerate towards your ex. That's why it's called a divorce. If you were gonna be considerate of the other person, then there would be no issue of separating in the first place. I know, I'm divorced myself. But I do agree that as a entertainer, he should've waited but perhaps something happened that he just couldn't wait any longer. The sooner the better for his health. I wish them both well in their separation and hopefully he'll find his true soulmate someday. Life goes on and what doesn't break us will make us stronger.

      • You will only know the character of a person on how he end things. They mutually agree to get a divorce Meaning anyone can file it if shk is inconsiderate she already file and announce it while his drama is airing. But she waited for him because he has an airing drama going on only to by pass in the announcement and filing. Clearly you will know why the relationship didnt work out sjk is selfish and inconsiderate.

      • @Aura do you personally know them to make a conclusion that their marriage didn't work out because of him? You just can't makeout anything on basis of media report. They were rumors they were gonna splits their asset but it turn out they got divorced without any division. They both are top stars so them not having confidentiality clause seems unlikely to me. It seems another fake report by media.

      • Im talking about the manner of how he filed and announce it when they mutually agree and he by pass her.

      • Yes, life must go on for the two of them. I don;t like SJK and a fan of SHK...but I did not stop watching her works even she married him. You said it is better sooner for his health? Ahh...I think I read about him losing hair because of his marriage problem? Yeah...good for him...although I do not like him I don't really wish him going bald because of his wife..eh? yes...hope he will find his true soul mate someday( just about a year before he said SHK is his true soulmate....ahh..never mind..it's all past already)
        For SHK...wish her all the best and happiness.

  • He thinks he's saving his career by announcing divorcing mid drama thinking it would help rise the flop rating of his drama and all attention will be at him by throwing out statements blaming song hyekyo's side. Too bad he never really has the top star's rating pull potential and now back to being a B-lister again.

    I'm Not a SHK's fan either.

  • So playing victim back fired on the king of media play. But anyhoo, how could he lose CFs he didn't have?

    • He haven't lost any commercial post divorce. He is still endorsing brands like cuchen, ruhens amd hyundai liveart.

      • @another abc: Yeah SJK is a loser for losing SHK but as for his career and character he’s rebuilding that so write him off that’s all good but he has a faithful following that are supporting him on his journey and no amount of shade thrown his way is going to change my opinion otherwise.

      • Loser,How?its too early to call him off, he still has two upcoming movie and few Cf. He did lose a hit drama and many Cf post his marriage but that's his own bad luck. And as for character wise, I can't judge him or her based on their divorce. He still has fanfollowing to support him and Tbh,like mac said He is just a good project away from retaining everything back.

      • Just because he still has fans doesn't mean he's not a loser. Park Yoo Chun and Seungri have faithful followings, but they are still trash. Center Jung is fame hungry and conceited but still gets offers.

      • @another abc How can you compare SJK to those two crooked as fiends? Where are you going with your rebuttal on this and I get it you don’t like SJK okay but to make the comparison to a convicted drug abuser PYC and one chronic serial liar soon to be charged criminal Seungri don’t let your bitterness cloud your judgement please play fair.

      • @Ginger Crunch: all I'm saying is if crooks like PYC and Seungri still have fans, so what if SJK still has fans. At the end of the day, he reaps what he sows.

      • @another abc - Your logic beggars belief. Do you read what you write? How can you even compare PYC and Seungri to SJK? Different levels of being in the wrong 2 are criminals and broken the law but one has been through a divorce? Yeah SJK is reaping what he sows but he hasn’t broken any laws that we know of. Divorce is actually legal in SKorea and I get it you really want to drive your point that you actually despise SJK yep no denying that you’ll clean sweep him in one hit alongside real offenders.

      • @Ginger Crunch: Just because he didn't do anything illegal doesn't mean he's a good person. I'm just another person on the internet not impressed by his motive in trying to sabotage his ex's reputation while disregarding his drama's crew and coworkers effort all for personal gain. Why get so worked up? If you want to support him, good for you! Likewise, you're not going to change my opinion on him, so stop writing back to me.

      • @another abc Sorry you called SJK a loser and had the gall to liken him to two crooked bent as crims but since you explained why you disliked him immensely (sabotaging SHK reputation and disregard for his co cast and crew) so yep point taken I’m not or will try and sway your opinion which you so aptly pointed out so I’ll leave it at that.

      • @Ginger Crunch - some people here are really losing their heads over this divorce business, it's a classic symptom of the way the k-ent industry and fandoms tend to go for 'style over substance'.

        Meanwhile, I'm a fan of both Songs and believe they absolutely have what it takes to recover from the image hit that the divorce caused. There are plenty of pretty boys and It Boys in the industry but very few of the ones in Song Joong Ki's age group have his level of talent - in all the carping about AC, notice how no one has dared to come for his acting?

      • @Royal We - no one dares to come for SJK's acting in AC because I am one of those who was so bored with this drama that I quit after few episodes, I may start again if review and rating improve. I have no opinion on SJK in AC because he is just not the catch of the show. Rating shows and viewers are scarce. I have watched the Battleship Island, SJK's acting was same as in DOTS, stale, not worse but nothing good to report. SJS is a lot hotter imho. So when an actor has not improved much in his acting, there is nothing to praise... he is just so-so... His best days were in Werewolf Boy and Nice Guy, but those were the days. Not a fan, only my honest opinion.

      • @candycane well Acting is subjective topic although I dislike his movie battleship island and his performance. But can't deny his performance as Saya is praised by both inetz and also Knetz who are critical about this show. Him and Kim okbin are coming out as best among the four.

  • LOL, Arthdal is a terrible show so even if the divorce never happened, this would’ve still been a flop. Honestly, I think the divorce helped it gather hype in some ways.

    In the end, lead actor with bad image or not, a good show will always get audience. Mr. Sunshine is a big example.

    • Totally agree with you @Butterfly. His Arthdal was terrible/not interesting regardless of the divorce. The divorce though initially put the spotlight on him and his current drama, although only temporarily, because in the end it was how he announced it and what he said that got him in trouble in general.

      I was never a SHK fan, but she totally got my sympathy and support with the divorce. He knew what it would do to her, by how he did it but did it anyway. SHK's edge over all these, and what got her the support of many, is she kept quiet, plus, and this is a big plus, she has a very established career. And she's not known as a petty, nasty celebrity. In fact the opposite. So her grace saved her from the ugliness of their divorce. SJK didn't have the established career and the grace to be man enough to at least tone it down. So, yes, I was not surprised at all. I'm one of those that reacted this same way as many. I decided I would never watch any of his shows.

      • True. Less is more, especially in this instance. I have to confess, I started losing my admiration for him when I watched an ad after DOTS aired and I found he has a very 'cold' aura. But I dismissed my impression of him because he's very handsome and a good actor. However, the way he handled his divorce made me lose my respect for him. Will I watch him again? Probably not, unless it is a very good show that has a lot of my favorite actors in it. Conversely, because SHK kept quiet about her divorce, my admiration for her grew even though I am passive about her as an actress. Ultimately, how you handle the difficult times you go through, says miles about your character than any promotion would when things are going your way.

    • Arthdal is no where near terrible. This drama is just not suits for the mainstream audience I guess. With detail world building and mix fantasy with political back stabbing, which at times not the audience is not get used to. Not saying is a great drama. But don't generalised public acceptance means quality.

      • Lol I’m not generalizing anything. It’s an opinion (which a majority of audience agree with) that the drama is terrible. There’s really no generalizing either way because quality is based on differing opinions. In the end, ratings talk, popularity talks, reviews talk. If it’s accepted, it’s a successful drama. If not, it’s a failure. Does that also mean it’s terrible? Depending on who you ask.

        I think arthdal is a disaster. But that’s me. You can ask others, they’ll even say the same thing for YFAS or Goblin. It’s all opinion.

      • Well... Opinion with actual quality is different. You think is terrible, and you haven't point out a definite logical reason what make it so terrible. So your point still doesn't hold it. Thank you for pointingvout your view it's based on your opinion. The pacing is all right because you need to convince viewers your world building in detail, and it's just believable on screen. Because the actor and the director is delivering. It's just work for me. Almost Everyone put out one of their best effort and acting and make it convincing on screen. You might think this dissapointing because it might be not hold your high standard. But definitely not terrible drama for me, and I think anyone who appreciate art in this industry won't find it terrible and appreciating the effort and the passion they put

  • Or SHK could simply have someone powerful backing her up? There's all sort of possibilities and this sounds more probable seeing as Knetz view SHK in a worse light for this divorce.

    • Knetz view worse because of sjk announcement of their divorce. They mutually agree to get a divorce only for him to by pass her in the announcement and filing. She suffers diff kind of abuse and comments but now after the divorce finalize and revealed that their divorce dont have confidentiality close. Shk filed legal case against online commenter the youtuber/journalist who spreaded rumors against her retracted his statement claiming that his first video post is not true.

    • Stop with the non sense... She once sued netizens who created rumors regarding sponsors and she has hired lawyers to sue again....She being on top came from years of hard work. She is being seeked by drama producers so a sponsor is unnecessary. Try to accept that. She has a stable career and build reputation since the start of hallyu so no selfish ex can bring her down.

      • Lol that's like saying rich people don't evade taxes because they are rich enough to pay them. Even if she doesn't have one now, there's bound to be at some point of her career when she's climbing up.

      • @Lilith girl shk was discover by winning in school modeling competition and because of her natural beauty that is rare in k ent. She was seek by producers to star in their drama and at the age of 19 she became a hallyu star because of Autumn in my heart. And then All in, Full house and dots you cant accuse her of that when her success history is totally because of her beauty and luck in drama ratings. Nice try.

      • @Aura Sure sure, the entertainment industry is all sunshine and rainbows. Keep on being in denial :)

      • Believe what you want to believe. Fact she filed a case and the source of the rumor and the knetz who spreaded it are now facing a lawsuit.

      • Yep believe what you want to believe. SK is infamous for their laws catering towards the rich and powerful. Anyone can file a defamation suit even if the other party is speaking the truth.

      • @Lilith even if the other party is speaking the truth. Then why the youtuber/journalist backtrack his allegation? after the divorce finalize and shk filed a case?

      • @Lilith victim? How the youtuber/journalist spreaded a rumor without proof and evidence just all talk and theories from him. I would have believe him if he presented an evidence but he is just all talk.

      • Its funny how view the youtuber as the victim when its shk who suffer from abusive comments because of his vlog. Sometimes the law is not twisted its the haters lol.

      • Facepalm @Lilith what happen in their marriage its their personal problem. Actors owe public acting not their marital problems. Now shk filed a case against over speculating knets/cyber bullies/rumor mongers and that is her right as a citizen.

      • Yeah did I say she's not allowed to file? I was initially simply talking about their endorsements until you guys start to divert into other issues.

      • My reply to you is the comment that you made on how you view the youtuber as the victim when its the other way around. Like what i said their marital problem is their business so her filing a case against overspeculating rumors mongers is just right.

      • Girl, I was talking about victims from other cases. But of course, you and the other person just wanna nitpick on my words just because I voiced out a possibility that you don't want to hear.

      • Powerful backing up, There's bound to be at some point on her career when she's climbing up. Where are all this all coming from is because of that youtuber/journalist vlog. Question if that vlog was not posted and knetz did not spreaded his vlog post will you insinuate this things against shk?

      • @Stacey Lol I didn't even watch the vlog or know the name of the youtuber/journalist you are talking about. It is well-known that these sort of things is common in the entertainment industry. Most of the top celebrities either have powerful sponsors or rich families behind them. It's just how the entertainment industry works.

      • Ok. If you believe All celebrities have back up then believe it im not gonna reply on that its your opinion anyway. All my replies are about Shk and the rumor mongers that she sued for insulting, creating theories & overspeculating.

      • If you think Most of the top celebrity have sponsor then believe what you want to believe its your opinion and im not here for that. My comment is about shk filing a case against cyberbullies, trolls, rumor mongers and overspeculating knetz. Okay.

      • I dont care if you think Most of the top celebrity have sponsor that is your opinion believe what you want to believe im not here for that. My comments is about Shk and the case she filed against over speculating knetz and rumor mongers taking advantage of being anonymous to spread rumors without proof just to justify their hate.

      • If you don't care what I think then why bother continue replying to me? Your actions prove otherwise.

      • Since this blog dont have edit button just correcting my post for other readers to understand my point in my post.

  • Whoever can sell products will get CF contracts. There is no mercy in the Business Field. Visually speaking, SHK wins.

  • Actually it's not true, his endorsement drop after his marriage not divorce. Real article mention about the impact divorce could have on their professional life, and issues is more sensitive on his side because of his marriage to kyo cost him many endorsement. But some international outlet like strait times created fake article.

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