©
2025. All Rights Reserved.
K-Dramas are a big part of the Hallyu wave, but scandals involving Korean actors can cause trouble for even the biggest shows. Aside from public backlash, the celebrity may face consequences that can be costly. Even the drama production team would be highly affected by the issue.
With increased attention and investment from international audiences and streaming giants, the stakes are higher than ever. So, what exactly happens when a Korean actor cast for a drama gets entangled in a controversy? This article explores how recent high-profile controversies have highlighted the dangers and costs of casting Korean actors in major projects.
Why Do Korean Celebrities Struggle To Revive Their Reputation After A Controversy?K-Culture InsightsFeb 24, 2025
Understanding "Actor Risk" in the Korean Entertainment Industry
As K-Content gains global popularity, the stakes are getting higher for every drama production. With more eyes on Korean actors than ever before, a single misstep can cause big problems—a concept known as “actor risk.”
Ryu JunYeol Official Instagram
To put it simply, actor risk refers to the potential for a celebrity's misconduct to disrupt, delay, or damage a production. With the internet spreading news quickly and people paying more attention to Korean celebrities, even a rumor can seriously impact a drama or movie. Since millions of people worldwide now watch K-Dramas and K-Films, the effects of scandals involving Korean actors aren’t limited to Korea. They can also impact international streaming platforms, investors, and fans.
In what way, you may ask? Let's discuss this further below. But before that, let us take a look at a few recent controversies that involve high-profile Korean actors and their consequences.
High-Profile Korean Actors and Their Scandals
Recent scandals involving popular Korean actors have shaken the entertainment industry. They highlight the significant impact of personal controversies on professional careers. Below are a few incidents that underscore the concept of "actor risk," where an actor's misconduct or personal issues can jeopardize entire productions and brand partnerships.
Yoo AhIn's Drug Scandal
In February 2023, the police questioned Korean actor Yoo AhIn for using the anesthetic drug propofol on 181 occasions between 2020 and 2022. Fast forward to September 2024, the Seoul Central District Court found him guilty of illegal propofol use. He received a sentence of a year-long imprisonment, a fine of KRW 2 million (USD 1,400), and a forfeiture of KRW 1.5 million.
This February, the court suspended his prison sentence for two years. This means the actor is no longer behind bars.
Yoo AhIn Official Instagram
Because of the drug scandal surrounding Yoo in 2023, the release of the film “The Match” featuring him and Lee ByungHun was postponed. It was originally scheduled for a premiere in the first half of 2023 but was delayed by almost two years. The movie was eventually dropped this past March after the court released the actor from prison. Still, Yoo AhIn had minimal exposure in promotional materials to reduce public backlash.
Netflix Korea Official X
Another film, “Hi-5,” also starring Yoo AhIn, faced similar consequences. The movie was completed in 2021 and was supposed to come out in 2023. Since the actor tested positive for drugs, the movie's distributor postponed the movie's release for two years. “Hi-5” is now slated to premiere this coming June, but Yoo will sit out promotions.
Director Kang HyoungChul described the situation as "regrettable," but confirmed to The Korea Times that they didn't edit out Yoo’s scenes in the film.
Kim SooHyun Controversy
Probably one of the most shocking scandals among Korean actors is that of Kim SooHyun. He came under fire this past March after the family of late actress Kim SaeRon claimed that the actor dated the latter. What made the public mad is that the “Queen of Tears” star was allegedly in a relationship with her while she was a minor.
Kim SooHyun Official Instagram
Because of the controversy, Disney+ decided to delay the release of its high-budget series “Knock-Off” with no set date. The drama features Kim as the lead character and was originally planned for a premiere in April. That’s not all, two companies that hired Kim SooHyun as an advertising model filed legal action against the actor.
Companies File a Case Against Kim SooHyun Following Scandal
A YTN report states that two agencies sued Kim and his company, Goldmedalist, to ask them a refund of modeling fees, together with additional damages. The companies are reportedly seeking a total of about KRW 3 billion (USD 2.14 million). The report also said that a third company is considering legal action after ending its contract with Kim for breach of trust.
Kim SooHyun Official Instagram
Attorney Park SungWoo from Wooree Law Firm told YTN Star that Kim signed deals as a brand model with 15 companies. Each collaboration is worth 1 to 1.2 billion won. He noted that brands usually don’t go public when they file a legal action, but when they do, other brands with similar contracts would find out. When this happens, they are likely to file a case as well.
This means if all 15 brands sued Kim SooHyun, the total amount he has to pay is over KRW 10 billion (USD 7.15 million).
The incident shows how non-criminal controversies can still hurt an actor's image and stall big projects.
T.O.P’s Comeback and Lingering Reactions
After several years away from the spotlight, BIGBANG’s T.O.P. returned to the Korean entertainment industry in 2024. Specifically, he came back as an actor under his name Choi SeungHyun. He played the character of Thanos in the second season of “Squid Game.” While some fans were excited to see him return to acting, others weren’t happy about his casting in the drama’s second season. The backlash was due to T.O.P.’s marijuana conviction.
BIGBANG TOP Official Instagram
Even after serving his penalty, public opinion stayed negative. This highlights that the Korean public doesn’t easily forget scandals, and this can negatively impact Korean actors trying to make a comeback, even years later.
The Cost to Big-Budget Productions When Korean Actors Get Involved in Scandals
When a Korean actor is embroiled in a scandal, the fallout can extend far beyond personal reputation. This section will explore its impact on the drama and everyone who took part in its production.
Enjoy full access for just $1
Join over 10,000 active members!
🌟 Special Contents for Subscribers
