Controversy Surrounds Park Han-byul's Return to TV Amid Husband's Scandal

Park Han-byul faces public backlash as she returns to television following her husband Yoo In-seok's suspended prison sentence. Critics argue that resuming her entertainment career despite her husband's criminal involvement is overly ambitious.

Park is set to appear on TV CHOSUN's show 'Dad and Me' on November 1st, marking her first TV appearance in six years. She had paused her career after Yoo's involvement in the 2019 'Burning Sun scandal' and has been living in Jeju, running a café.

In the upcoming episode, Park will share her emotional journey, revealing, "I felt helpless, and every day was like hell," and recounting her mother-in-law's tearful advice to divorce. Despite this, Park will explain her decision to maintain her family.

The show will also disclose that Park's father suffered from social anxiety and depression, a revelation that evokes sympathy but also skepticism from some viewers who see her continued relationship with Yoo as manipulative.

Park married former Yuri Holdings CEO Yoo In-seok in 2017, and they have two sons. Yoo, known for his partnership with former Big Bang member Seungri, was convicted of soliciting prostitution and embezzlement, receiving a suspended sentence in 2020.

Instead of divorcing, Park submitted a petition for her husband, promising his cooperation with investigations. She gave birth to their second child in 2022 while Yoo was on probation.

Park signed with Chan Entertainment in December, signaling her return to the entertainment industry, but public reaction has been cold. Many criticize her attempt to regain public favor while her husband remains guilty.

Some predict Park will portray herself as a victim on her return, a sentiment seemingly confirmed by her tearful appearance in a show preview. Critics argue that true victims of the Burning Sun scandal continue to suffer.

Park has shared her peaceful life in Jeju on Instagram, prompting criticism for her perceived hypocrisy. One commenter noted, "Living peacefully with Yoo while victims suffer, and now shedding tears on TV, is hypocritical. If she truly struggled, she should have divorced."

Others argue that living with a convicted sex offender should mean staying out of the public eye, criticizing both Park and the show's producers for exploiting her story.