Controversial Actors' Projects Finally See the Light: 'Dear M' and 'A History of Losers' Released After School Bullying Allegations

'You Know What?' Reporter Lee So-jung from TenAsia captures intriguing issues in the broadcasting world to stimulate the public's dopamine.

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Amidst the controversy surrounding school bullying allegations, projects featuring accused actors are finally being released after long delays. Following the quiet conclusion of 'A History of Losers' starring Song Ha-yoon and Jo Byung-gyu on the 19th, 'Dear M' featuring Park Hye-soo is set to premiere next month.

'A History of Losers' is a coming-of-age romance drama about four 20-year-old boys growing through love and breakups. Based on a popular webtoon, the script was penned by the original author, Kim Poong. Although filming wrapped in 2022, the release was delayed for three years due to the lead actors, Jo Byung-gyu and Song Ha-yoon, being embroiled in school bullying allegations. Both actors denied the accusations, but continued revelations led to a decline in public favor.

Despite the allegations, Jo Byung-gyu continued to work actively in various projects, including variety show hosting and album releases, though public reception was lukewarm. Song Ha-yoon faced credibility issues when her school records showed a 'transfer,' lending weight to the claims of forced transfer. Initially denying the allegations, she has since remained silent.

Ultimately, 'A History of Losers' failed to secure a broadcast slot and drifted for a long time before being released on streaming platforms Wavve and Watcha last month, with two episodes airing weekly. Notably, Song Ha-yoon was absent from the teaser, and the series concluded without significant buzz.

'Dear M' is also set to air on KBS Joy after a three-year delay. Premiering in April, the youth romance drama follows the search for 'M,' the author of a confession post that shakes Seoyeon University. The series stars Park Hye-soo and NCT's Jaehyun.

Originally slated for a 2022 release, 'Dear M' was postponed due to Park Hye-soo's involvement in school bullying allegations. Despite her denials, graduation photos and multiple exposés worsened public opinion. After a two-year hiatus following the allegations, Park attempted a comeback in 2023 with the independent film 'You and I,' but public sentiment remained cold, and she has not pursued further projects.

Following the domestic cancellation in 2022, 'Dear M' was released on international OTT platforms. With Jaehyun's strong global fanbase as an NCT member, many fans have already watched the series. Before KBS Joy's announcement, some insiders suggested that not airing the series might be better due to its outdated elements, given its three-year-old production.

The announcement of 'Dear M's broadcast has elicited mixed reactions. Some argue that it's unfair for the entire cast and crew to suffer due to Park Hye-soo's controversy, especially since she has already returned with 'You and I.' Others believe that airing 'Dear M' is inconsistent.

Conversely, some viewers express reluctance to watch a series featuring an actor embroiled in bullying allegations, doubting its success given its outdated context. A broadcast fan noted, "'A History of Losers' ended quietly amid controversy, and 'Dear M' might follow a similar path."

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr