The surge in global interest for K-content has attracted unprecedented investment into Korea’s entertainment sector, but it has also highlighted the risks associated with individual performers’ misconduct, which can threaten high-budget projects.
Recent issues involving well-known actors such as Yoo Ah-in and Kim Soo-hyun have brought attention to these risks, igniting discussions about the future of their already completed works and the accountability of stars for their behavior.
Yoo’s current legal troubles, stemming from allegations of habitual drug use, serve as a key example. After being granted probation during his second trial in February, his films began to see release.
The film The Match, which faced a delay of roughly two years due to the investigation, finally premiered in March. Promotional strategies aimed to limit his visibility, yet the movie managed to exceed its break-even goal.
Additionally, Yoo received a Best Actor nomination at the Director’s Cut Awards, organized by the Directors Guild of Korea, for his role in this film, demonstrating the complicated relationship between artistic recognition and personal controversies.
Another project featuring Yoo, Hi-Five, wrapped filming in 2021 and is scheduled for release on May 30. Recently, director Kang Hyoung-chul shared his thoughts on the situation, characterizing the developments surrounding the 38-year-old actor as “unfortunate” and something that “should have been avoided.”
Kang elaborated that when the scandal broke, the film was still in post-production, noting that Yoo’s scenes had been “virtually untouched” editorially. This suggests a decision was made to proceed with the film’s release as originally planned despite the ongoing controversy.
The effects of actor risk extend beyond legal issues. Actor Kim Soo-hyun encountered severe public backlash over a dating rumor involving the late Kim Sae-ron, who passed away in February. Speculation intensified when it was suggested that their alleged relationship started while she was still a minor.
As a result, Disney+ has decided to postpone the release of its highly anticipated series Knock-Off, in which Kim stars as the lead, originally slated for an April premiere. The series now faces an uncertain future as the platform contemplates the adverse public sentiment towards Kim. Concerns are growing that global streaming services may become hesitant to heavily invest in K-dramas due to the risks associated with actor scandals.
Within the Korean entertainment community, there is division over whether projects involving lead actors entangled in controversy should proceed or be delayed.
One local film industry insider highlighted the collective hard work and financial resources invested in each production.
“Deciding to halt a series or film’s release is an incredibly challenging choice because it cannot be based solely on the actions of one lead actor,” the insider stated.
“This viewpoint underscores the significant investment of capital and human resources, including fellow actors, directors, writers, and crew members, whose jobs and livelihoods rely on the successful completion and release of the project.”
Conversely, officials also point out the public’s expectation for celebrities to engage in meaningful self-reflection following a scandal. Recovery from such incidents can be difficult, as past mistakes linger in people’s memories, often easily found online.
The backlash against the casting of Choi Seung-hyun, known as T.O.P from BIGBANG, in the second season of Netflix’s Squid Game—given his previous marijuana conviction—illustrates how long public disappointment can endure.
Another industry figure noted that with the soaring fees for Korean actors, there is an increasing need for them to be more accountable.
“As the costs associated with Korean actors have now surpassed those in Japan, platforms like Netflix may be reluctant to engage with Korean talent,” the official remarked. “Unexpected production costs can rise significantly. To mitigate actor-related risks, it is imperative that leading actors practice self-management.”
