Controversial Stars Making a Stealthy Comeback: Will They Succeed?

Stars who have spent time reflecting on their past controversies involving school violence, drunk driving, and previous criminal allegations are quietly attempting to make a comeback.

Actor Jo Byeong-kyu, who had halted his career for a long time due to allegations of school violence, will return in the second half of this year with tvN's "Amazing Rumor 2." Jo's allegations surfaced twice. The first controversy arose in 2018 when Jo gained recognition as an actor through JTBC's "SKY Castle." Later in 2021, as the school violence controversy of volleyball twin stars Lee Jae-young and Lee Da-young emerged, Jo, who enjoyed peak popularity with "Amazing Rumor," faced the backlash.

As the controversy grew, HB Entertainment, Jo's agency, announced their intention to take legal action, claiming the allegations were groundless and stating that "the suspect admitted to posting false information online during the police investigation and sent an official apology letter deeply reflecting on their actions." However, the accuser refuted these claims, arguing that they never wrote an apology letter, never appealed for leniency, and never would in the future.

Jo Byeong-kyu, who has not had any significant activities over the past two years, was cast in the movie "One More Time Even If I Die" in September last year and is currently filming the drama "The History of Losers." He also confirmed his appearance in the Tving Original "All Ages +: Shortbuster."

Last June, Jo played a problem-solver who fights for school violence victims in the short film "Schoolcast" released through Tving. Although it passed relatively quietly, there is growing interest in how the public will receive Jo Byeong-kyu as "Amazing Rumor 2" is broadcast through a more influential TV platform.

Actress Kim Sae-ron (23), who caused a social controversy due to a drunk driving accident, is expected to return with Netflix's original series "Hound Dogs." Netflix stated on the 18th that "Kim Sae-ron will not be edited out of 'Hound Dogs,'" but "she will not participate in official promotional activities."

In May last year, Kim Sae-ron was fined 20 million KRW for crashing into a guardrail and a roadside tree while driving drunk. Since the accident, her official activities have been effectively suspended, including stepping down from cast roles.

Singer Hwang Young-woong, who left MBN's trot audition program "Burning Trotman" on the 3rd of last month due to controversies over fairness and past criminal records, seems to be quietly communicating with fans. Although he has temporarily suspended his singing activities, he attracted attention by hinting at future activities after signing a new contract with an agency.

In a post, Hwang Young-woong said, "Even if it's unfair and makes you angry, please bear with it a little longer. A new fence has been created, so please trust and watch me and the agency as we face difficult times, and I hope you all are happy," and "I will come to see you with good songs when I can confidently sing again. I will return as a better person." He expressed his determination for future activities.

Cultural critic Ha Jae-geun said, "There have been many cases where celebrities who caused controversies have made a comeback, but there are also many instances where the public turned their backs on them and they couldn't regain their former skills," and "It will not be easy for them to enjoy popularity in the future, as negative memories remain in the public's sentiments."

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