At a media briefing for the JTBC drama “Misty” held Friday, actress Kim Nam-joo showed up dressed in a luxurious black suit. While a black outfit for a formal occasion may seem ordinary, the suit was chosen to express the lead actress’ support for the ongoing #MeToo movement.

She was falling in line with dozens of celebrities who wore black at January’s Golden Globe Awards to show their support for the global movement.

Actress Kim Nam-joo wears a black suit at a press conference Friday at Digital Media City in Seoul. (JTBC)

“I hope that society can listen carefully to those who voiced up bravely,” she said. Through the occasion, she wished that the showbiz industry could “carve out the rotten parts of society and purify itself.”

The veteran actress, joined by her colleagues, is also taking it a step further by sparking the #WithYou movement in Korea.

In the past month, the #MeToo movement has been in full swing. Dozens of victims came forward to accuse powerful actors and directors of sexual harassment. Some of the accused admitted their faults and stepped down from their positions.

#WithYou refers to a followup movement and hashtag that represents support for the victims. Advocates of the movement have stressed the necessity of spreading awareness against sexual violence, as anyone can fall victim to such attacks.

Kim noted that she too had been a victim of insults early on in her career in the entertainment sector, dominated by top-to-bottom power dynamics. “Anyone, not only me, can be a victim,” she highlighted.

Budding starlet Kim Tae-ri has joined the movement, defining the #MeToo movement as a “miracle.” In various interviews, Kim has voiced her will to stand by the victims of power abuse. While being featured on JTBC’s “Newsroom” talk show Thursday, she said, “I announced my support, in devastation, as I know the assailants’ power is strong.”

Actress Kim Tae-ri speaks of her support for #MeToo, featuring on JTBC's "Newsroom." (A screen grab of JTBC)

“The structural problem is so grave, if I was in the same situation, I would have kept my silence,” she added. “The movement shouldn’t end with the repetition of revelation and apology, but be a stepping stone in creating a better societal structure.”

Singer-turned-actress Uee also voiced her stance, saying, “As a woman, I naturally support the movement,” at a media briefing for “My Husband Oh Jak-doo” on Friday. While support for the anti-sexual harassment initiative could be considered “natural,” in Korea’s tightly knit entertainment scene, it is not always easy to stand by the truth.

Actress Shin So-yul revealed that she was afraid of being blamed when declaring her will to join the #WithYou campaign. She was worried about being accused of taking advantage of the issue. A reporter from a local media outlet recently revealed that an official stopped musical actress Ivy from answering a question related to the #MeToo movement, as “it is sensitive.”

Actress Choi Hee-seo declared her will to stand by the #MeToo and #WithYou movements. (Instagram)

Despite the difficulties, more actresses are coming forward to openly align themselves with the #WithYou movement. Actress Choi Hee-seo posted a photo of her palm on social media last month. On her palm, the hashtags #MeToo and #WithYou were written with her signature.

Choi revealed that she was ashamed for once brushing off victims’ stories as other people’s business. After declaring her vow to support the movement, she quoted celebrated director Elia Kazan’s Actors Vow, “I will be heard.”

By Im Eun-byel (silverstar@heraldcorp.com)