How much impact do celebrities' private lives have on their work or activities? Especially for actors, there's an intersection between their personal lives and their characters.
Social issues can bring about significant repercussions not only in society but also in the works they have participated in or were scheduled to appear. This is because actors tend not to share much about their personal lives outside of their profession. Immersion in their characters can be disrupted, and the private affairs of the actors continue to infiltrate, hence, they must always be vigilant, recognizing that they symbolize certain ideals or values.
◆ Wave of Controversy Over 'Drug Suspicions' Surrounding Actor Lee Sun-kyun
Understanding the public's disappointment over the so-called 'drug suspicions' involving actor Lee Sun-kyun becomes clear in this context. Making his television debut with the 2001 sitcom 'Lovers', Lee Sun-kyun was adored for his upright, homely, and virtuous image. His impressive filmography includes dramas like 'White Tower' (2007), 'Coffee Prince' (2007), 'Pasta' (2010), 'Golden Time' (2012), 'My Mister' (2018), and movies such as 'All About My Wife' (2012), 'A Hard Day' (2014), and 'Parasite' (2019). It's undeniable that there's a certain discomfort in rewatching these works due to the recent drug-related allegations surrounding him.
On the 19th, the Gyeonggi Newspaper exclusively reported on the 'drug administration' suspicions involving top star 'L', and hints in the article quickly pointed to Lee Sun-kyun. Amid speculations, Lee's agency confirmed on the 20th that he was indeed the 'Top Star L' in question. The agency stated, "We are verifying the precise facts regarding the suspicions surrounding actor Lee Sun-kyun and will cooperate fully with any forthcoming investigations. Furthermore, Lee Sun-kyun has filed a complaint against an individual 'A', who has continuously threatened and blackmailed him." This statement incited significant backlash from the public.
The crux of the matter shifted from whether Lee actually used drugs to other issues. Precise judgment on the case is difficult as investigations are still in their early stages and might take some time. Moreover, his upcoming movies 'Escape: PROJECT SILENCE' and 'Land of Happiness', and the drama 'No Way Out' have faced unforeseen challenges.
For actors, image is everything. The controversies surrounding Lee's private life make it difficult for audiences to view his works objectively. Though there's no official verdict on the drug allegations yet, the impurities have already infiltrated his works.
◆ Actor Yoo Ah-in, Charged Without Detention for Allegedly Administering Propofol and Other Drugs 181 Times
Actor Yoo Ah-in, who debuted with the drama 'Sharp' in 2004, was charged without detention for alleged drug use. Born in 1986, he received love for his roles in dramas like 'Sungkyunkwan Scandal', 'Secret Love Affair', 'Six Flying Dragons', and films such as 'Punch', 'Veteran', and 'The Throne'.
However, Yoo Ah-in shattered his carefully built reputation overnight. From September 2020 to March 2022, he was accused of habitually administering medical propofol under the guise of anesthetic for cosmetic procedures in hospitals in Seoul. Yoo, who had fled abroad, was subjected to search and seizure by the police on June 9th. He faced trial without detention, managing to avoid custody twice.
Like Lee Sun-kyun, Yoo Ah-in has several upcoming works. The scale of damage is immense. Releases for his Netflix movie 'Match', the film 'High Five', and the Netflix series 'End of Fools' have been indefinitely postponed. The entertainment world can't help but sigh, labeling the situation a 'nuisance'.
◆ Actor Bae Sung-woo's DUI Controversy and the Impact on the Movie '1947 Boston'
The movie '1947 Boston', which was released in September, faced hardships due to its lead actor Bae Sung-woo's DUI controversy. The film, which started shooting in September 2019 and wrapped up in January 2020, remained unreleased, turning into a so-called 'warehouse movie'. The issue arose when Bae was found driving under the influence on a non-shooting day for the SBS drama 'Fly Dragon' in November 2020, and the news broke in December 2020. As a result, all projects involving Bae faced challenges, and even his brother, announcer Bae Sung-jae, experienced damage to his image
◆ Controversy over school violence involving the actress Park Hye-su from the movie 'You and I'
The debut film of actor Jo Hyun-chul, 'You and I' (2023), faced significant challenges due to the ongoing 'school violence' controversy surrounding its lead actress, Park Hye-su. 'You and I' tells the story of high school students Semi and Ha-eun, who spend a dream-like day with unspoken words in their hearts. Park Hye-su played the role of Semi. The movie, set to be released on October 25th, has garnered more attention for the actress's personal life rather than the content itself.
In February 2021, a post from an alleged school violence victim, A, appeared and disappeared repeatedly on Nate's forum, bringing the issue to light. While there were initial claims that Park Hye-su wasn't involved in school violence, more revelations made the problem escalate. Her agency, Santa Claus Entertainment, stated, "We've confirmed that the allegations are false, with the intent to maliciously slander and defame Park Hye-su," and pursued legal actions.
Despite the firm stance from the agency, accusations and testimonies against Park Hye-su kept pouring in, with repeated refutations and explanations. Park later withdrew from all her scheduled projects and took an indefinite break. On October 9, 2022, she made a public appearance at the 26th Busan International Film Festival during the 'You and I' GV. On October 10th, she stated, "The investigation is still ongoing, but my stance remains unchanged. I will continue to do my best."
It's difficult to discern the truth in school violence cases as statements from victims and alleged perpetrators often clash. However, Park's image has been undoubtedly tarnished due to the controversy. Restoring her previous reputation in the eyes of the public may take a long time.
◆ Membership in a delinquent group and school violence controversy, actress Kim Heera
Actress Kim Heera, who rose to fame with the Netflix drama 'The Glory' (2022), also became embroiled in a school violence controversy. After finishing the drama 'Amazing Rumor 2: Counter Punch' (2023), reports surfaced about Kim's middle school days.
Reports claimed that during her middle school years, Kim joined a delinquent group called 'Big Sang Ji', and she allegedly admitted to this.
However, after the controversy broke out, Kim's side changed their statement, confirming her membership in 'Big Sang Ji' but denying any involvement in school violence. As whistleblowers came forward with more revelations and interviews, the issue became muddied.
Following the reports, Kim's scheduled appearance on SNL Korea Season 4, Episode 9 was canceled. However, she continued with her scheduled performances in the musical 'Frida'. Given the ongoing controversy, taking on new projects may be challenging.
◆ Discarding cigarette butts and intimate video with a woman, actor Choi Hyun-wook
A video revealing the private life of rising star Choi Hyun-wook has left a blemish on his previously clean-cut image. In the video, shot in Apgujeong Rodeo, Choi can be seen smoking while wearing a black sleeveless top and white shorts, holding a woman with one hand.
Following the video's spread, Choi posted a handwritten apology on his social media. While it's perfectly fine to smoke and have relationships, the overlap of his on-screen character and personal life led to negative public perceptions. Choi is currently meeting audiences with the drama 'Shimmering Watermelon', and his new drama 'High Cookie' is set to release on the 23rd.
An actor's image isn't just a simple concept. When personal life controversies infiltrate their public image, audiences find it hard to separate the art from the artist. In some positive cases, this overlap can even boost a project, as actor Lee Sun-gyun utilized his domestic image in various works and advertisements.
It's a double-edged sword. Actors need to be aware of the significance of their past actions and the nature of their profession, where their image is continuously consumed by the public. Thus, the profound disappointment of the public regarding the 22-year veteran actor Lee Sun-gyun's recent 'drug allegations' needs special attention.
