According to the Korea Times, the development of K-content (Korean content) globally has attracted unprecedented attention and investment in the Korean entertainment industry, but it also increases the destructive power of "actors' risk" - the possibility that the wrongdoings of an artist can endanger large-budget works.
Recent controversies surrounding famous actors such as Yoo Ah In and Kim Soo Hyun have highlighted this risk, and have sparked debate about the fate of completed works with their participation, and how the stars should take responsibility for their actions.
Yoo Ah In's ongoing legal battle over drug use allegations is a typical example. Yoo Ah In was released in the second trial in February this year. Thanks to that, new films with his participation were released.
Previously, the drama "The Match" starring Yoo Ah In was delayed for about 2 years due to a drug investigation, but it finally premiered in theaters in March.
Yoo Ah In was even nominated for Best Actor at the Director's Cut Awards organized by the Korean Director's Association. This highlights the complex relationship between artistic value and personal scandals.
Another Yoo Ah In film, "Hi-Five," has completed filming since 2021 and is currently scheduled to be released on May 30. Director Kang Hyoung Chul said that Yoo Ah In's scandal was "unfortunate" and "shouldn't happen".
However, he also said that while Yoo Ah In had to appear in court, the production team had almost no intention of editing the actor's scenes, despite the controversy.
The Korea Times analyzed that the impact of actress risk is not limited to criminal allegations. As in Kim Soo Hyun's case, he is facing a backlash from the public about dating rumors involving the late actor Kim Sae Ron, who passed away in February.
The controversy escalated because Kim Sae Ron's family repeatedly accused Kim Soo Hyun of having a relationship with Kim Sae Ron when she was a minor.
mixed reactions have forced the Disney+ platform to postpone the release of the big- budget series "Knock-Off", starring Kim Soo Hyun.
This situation also raises concerns that global streaming services may be hesitant to invest heavily in Korean dramas, as potential losses from actors' scandals can happen at any time.
The Korean entertainment industry is divided on whether to release works with the participation of the main actor or not.
An industry official said: "Stopping releasing a film is an extremely difficult decision, because it is not only based on the reputation of the main actor.
We must consider the huge investment capital and human resources, including all actors, directors, screenwriters and film crew members, whose work and livelihoods depend on the completion and release of the project."
On the other hand, the public requires celebrities to take time to seriously reflect after a scandal. Their comeback efforts may be difficult, as audiences often recall wrongdoings in the past.
The negative reaction when choosing T.O.P (Big Bang) - who has a medical record for marijuana - to participate in Netflix's "Squid Game 2" shows the public's disappointment in the stars involved in the scandal that can last.
