From left: Clara, Lee Soo-kyung and Lee Tae-im. (OSEN)

It's only three months into 2015, but three Korean actresses -- Clara, Lee Soo-kyung and Lee Tae-im -- have already been hit by controversies this year.

Clara's reputation suffered following reports in mid-January that she had filed a lawsuit to be released from her management label on grounds of sexual harassment.

The actress, 29, said that chairman Lee Gyu-tae from Polaris Entertainment had made her feel "sexually humiliated," while the company retaliated, claiming it was the actress who faced charges for threatening the chairman.

Local media outlet Dispatch subsequently released photos and text messages exchanged between the two in May to July, which revealed a souring professional relationship.

The legal battle took a turn for the worse in January when the Korea Entertainment Management Association instructed the actress to discontinue current endorsements, leading to a fresh round of damage suits from advertisers she had contracts with.

18-year-old actress Lee Soo-kyung. (CJ E&M)

Lee Soo-kyung also became mired in controversy earlier this year.

The rookie actress, who is starring in the drama series "Hogu's Love," based on the eponymous webtoon, raised eyebrows at a January production conference weeks before its television debut.

"You were Hogu from the moment I saw you. Just the way you looked fit Hogu," said Lee to her costar Choi Woo-shik, who plays the naive protagonist who is hopeless with girls.

Lee, 18, also stunned viewers when she spoke back to reporters at the same event, drawing comments that she had acted above her station.

Television broadcaster MBC defended the inexperienced actress, blaming edited footage for the "misunderstanding."

Lee issued a formal apology the following week at a joint interview. "I was very nervous at the time so I tried not to make a mistake. I think people misunderstood my actions. ... I will work hard to be a good person who doesn't make mistakes."

The controversy abated upon Lee's apology to the "Hogu's Love" cast and crew for the negative press attention.

Lee Tae-im on the set of variety program "My Young Tutor Friend." (MBC)

Finally, actress Lee Tae-im saw her image suffer in a spat with fellow actress Kim Ye-won.

When Lee Tae-im arrived late for variety program "My Young Tutor Friend" on Tuesday, Kim was hastily allotted to fill her place.

Later, when Lee appeared in a segment about a diving class and Kim asked the accomplished swimmer if she was cold, the 28-year-old Lee responded by viciously hurling insults at the former Jewelry idol singer, shocking staff members.

Lee issued an apology on Wednesday, but blamed Kim for "speaking informally" to her, according to local media. MBC announced Lee will leave the reality show for "health reasons."

By Yoon Sarah (sarah356@heraldcorp.com)