Han Ye-seul's Career in Limbo Amid Public Scrutiny Over Personal Life

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Lee So-jung from TenAsia brings you intriguing issues from the entertainment world to stimulate your curiosity.

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Actress Han Ye-seul, who has expressed a thirst for acting roles, is making choices that critics say are detrimental to her career. While she has been open about her relationship with her husband, Ryu Sung-jae, this transparency is seen as negatively impacting her image as an actress.

Han Ye-seul went public with her relationship with Ryu Sung-jae, who is ten years her junior, in September 2020. Rumors about Ryu's past profession stirred controversy in the entertainment industry. Han addressed these rumors, stating, "Ryu Sung-jae previously worked as a theater actor and had a stint at a karaoke bar."

Han strongly denied allegations that Ryu worked at a host bar, asserting, "Just as there is no hierarchy in professions, I trust my feelings and choose to be with him." However, the public's reaction was cold, criticizing her for downplaying the seriousness of illegal job allegations. Many believe this has tarnished the sophisticated image she once held.

In May, Han Ye-seul registered her marriage with Ryu Sung-jae. While a marriage with someone of an uncontroversial background might have been celebrated, the negative rumors surrounding Ryu led to more concern than congratulations. Industry insiders were surprised by the marriage, having initially doubted the longevity of their relationship.

Han Ye-seul's acting career has seen ups and downs. She debuted in 2003 with the sitcom 'Nonstop 4' and gained significant popularity with the 2006 drama 'Couple or Trouble.' However, she faced backlash in 2011 after abruptly leaving the drama 'Spy Myung-wol' to go to the U.S., which led to her being labeled as having an "unfavorable image."

She returned three years later with 'Birth of a Beauty,' but the response was lukewarm. Subsequent roles in 'Madame Antoine,' '20th Century Boy and Girl,' and 'Big Issue' failed to surpass the impact of 'Couple or Trouble.' Her acting skills were often criticized, and she struggled to establish a strong foothold as an actress. Following her public relationship and marriage, many feel she has drifted further from her acting image.

The production of her potential next project, 'The Queen Lives in Seoul (working title),' was canceled, extending her hiatus from acting by another year. This year, she has focused more on YouTube and commercial appearances rather than acting. Critics note that when people think of Han Ye-seul, they recall negative issues like her "karaoke bar husband" or "filming escape controversy" rather than her past works.

Through her YouTube channel, Han has candidly expressed her desire to act, stating, "I can work hard and do well," but the public and industry remain skeptical. While her openness about her love for Ryu Sung-jae is understandable on a personal level, industry insiders criticize it as detrimental to her professional image. Casting directors find it challenging to consider her for roles.

While honesty is appreciated, Han Ye-seul seems to struggle with balancing her career and personal life. Unlike her glamorous heyday, her recent actions have blurred her identity as an actress. To regain trust from the public and industry, she needs to make more cautious choices and manage her image carefully.

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