Ningin Round Table: If you were an idol, how would you rebound from a scandal?

Table is a feature in which we pose an Asian entertainment news-related question to Ningin writers and they give us their colorful opinions and thoughts on the matter. Given the news of the recent G-Dragon pot confession, we asked our writers, “If you were an idol, how would you rebound from a scandal?” Here’s what some of them had to say: Vy Huynh: One of the first things I would do is give it time to cool off. Whether people believe or disapprove of my actions in this imaginary scandal, time is important to allow things to settle and for minds to be a bit clearer and more logical to make judgments. However, in order to turn the spotlight on my name into one that is more positive, I would aim to get back into work and do things that showcase my talent at its best. In a way, I would want to show that the mentioned scandal does not define who I am (even if it was a mistake) but I’d want my fans and the public to recognize my skills and abilities instead. In choosing things to be involved in, like CFs or an ambassador for a certain cause, I’d definitely make sure that everything is meaningful and something that I truly endorse/believe in. I feel like just being active in the right and positive things will help to highlight that I’m still me and a good person…despite the one-time scandal that unfolded the way it did. Jessica Clark: If I was an idol who had just been through a scandal there would be two choices I would be choosing upon to rebound depending on the scandal. For example if it was an relationship scandal I would probably lay low and stay out of the public eye and stay away from the ‘other half’ of the relationship till everything cools down. If I was in a scandal such like G-Dragons where there was drugs involved, I would prove to the fans I wasn’t taking them all the time. I would probably do some charity work or try and stay out of the bad pages of the media so that more scandals don’t appear. Maybe I would lay low then try and put myself in a positive light, maybe use myself as an example for younger generations to show that these ’scandals’ aren’t good for your health or body. Also being able to be confident in front of the fans still and to apologize for the scandal would be another important aspect of being an idol in trouble, since idols need to show they know their wrong doings as well as the fans knowing that the idol is apologetic towards every fan. Jennifer Shu: Being caught in a scandal is something probably most idols would have to experience at one point in their career. However, since I am not an idol myself, it’s hard to consider all the factors that may be affected by my actions: my image, the company, my group members… Yet if I were caught in a scandal as an idol, the first thing I would do is to apologize to my fans and clear things up, because I believe that how idols react to a scandal can often affect the way the public sees the event. However, I will accept whatever the consequences and reactions the public gives me, no matter how hard it could be. While afterwards, I will put in perhaps double, perhaps triple my effort to perfect my future performances to let people know that this is the me that they love; this is the side of me that I had aimed to let you see, and a single scandal cannot knock me down, whether if it’s true or not. I will have full faith in my fans, but I will still accept whatever consequences I will face because I know that I’m responsible for my actions, and it shows me not only as a public figure, but me as a person as well. Jessie Zhao: There’s not a second that passes where idols aren’t under the radar of the public. An idol that can be at the top of their game can be knocked down in less than a day by a scandal. Dating, drugs, car accidents are all things that could end their career. If I were to be an idol and was hit with a scandal, it would definitely be a handful to resolve. First things first, I would apologize. To the fans, the company, friends, just everybody. Even if there isn’t a need to apologize, because that’s what the public expects. An apology. I would probably explain everything to everybody, not through representatives, but through myself. It’s only fair to everybody that I do. I’d take a little break and avoid the public eye. Have some alone time and reflect on my actions. Then? I’d return stronger than ever. Idols make mistakes, they’re human too. Shirley Chung: If I were an idol and got caught in a scandal that isn’t relationship-wise, I will immediately apologize to the public. Even though if it’s not my fault, I think I hold the responsibility of causing the trouble. I will have caused my fans to worry and be distressful. It’s the only right thing to do. I wouldn’t want the public to think I have no manners and is irresponsible. Secondly, I will stop my activities for a while. If I feel like what I have done is terribly wrong, then I will not appear in the public scene for a longer period of time. Like many celebrities who got caught smoking and drinking or fighting, they apologize to the public and reflect on what they did. I will need to reflect on what I have done so it will not happen again. Therefore, the public and my fans will accept me once again for ignoring my past and looking up to the new me. And now you all have the floor - do you agree or disagree with the round table? How would you rebound from a scandal?