Two Korean actors Kim Soo Hyun and Yoo Ah In are both gradually returning after a long period of career interruption.
Although the reasons for temporary suspension of operations and the legal status of the two people are completely different, they still have to face common difficulties, which is the complex view of public opinion.
Kim Soo Hyun took the first action. Last year, after being involved in a private life controversy related to the late actress Kim Sae Ron, he almost stopped all activities. A series of advertising contracts were terminated, and the movie "Knock-Off" by Disney+ starring him was also postponed for an indefinite time.
After that, Kim Soo Hyun's side resolutely rejected all accusations and took legal measures. Recently, the investigation process has had new developments, when the police concluded that some documents previously released to accuse Kim Soo Hyun of dating Kim Sae Ron when she was a minor have been forged.
In that context, the actor began filming an advertisement for a brand abroad, sending an official signal about returning to entertainment activities.
Meanwhile, Yoo Ah In's reappearance moves are also becoming clearer. After being convicted in a drug use case many times, he went through a long period of temporary suspension of activities to self-criticize.
Recently, Yoo Ah In appeared at the VIP premiere of the movie "Hope", and there were rumors that he would participate in the new movie "Vampire" directed by Jang Jae Hyun, making the audience believe that the day the actor returns is not far away.
Although the production side affirmed "nothing has been confirmed", many people inside and outside the film industry still see these as preparations for the male actor's comeback.
However, the media noted that the cases of Kim Soo Hyun and Yoo Ah In are different.
Kim Soo Hyun still denies all suspicions aimed at him and is continuing the legal battle, while Yoo Ah In has been convicted by the court, accepted the sentence and is now preparing to return after serving legal responsibilities. The nature of the case as well as the legal conclusions of the two people are completely different.
However, both artists caused controversy when they reappeared. Legal results are not the only factor determining whether an artist can return successfully or not. Because legal responsibility and restoring public trust do not always happen at the same time.
Even for artists who always affirm their innocence, regaining public trust also takes a lot of time. Similarly, artists who have fulfilled their legal responsibilities may still face audience caution before being accepted back.
Therefore, the public's perception of the two actors today has a rather special similarity. That is not completely opposing their return, but it is also not possible to open their arms to welcome them. Perhaps, this is hesitation when the public has not yet given a final answer.
In the end, the most difficult thing for an actor is not to start filming again, but to make the audience choose to watch their work without any hesitation.
Kim Soo Hyun and Yoo Ah In are both preparing to stand in front of the camera again. But the real comeback will only be completed when the audience can see them simply as an actor, instead of being dominated by past controversies.
