Actors Park Sung-hoon and Na In-woo Address Personal Controversies Amidst Official Events

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Actors Park Sung-hoon and Na In-woo have faced personal controversies but proceeded with their scheduled official events. Due to their involvement with the organizers, they couldn't avoid the controversies. At events meant to focus on their projects, they had to address personal issues.

On the 8th, Park Sung-hoon attended an interview for Netflix's 'Squid Game 2'. Previously, he had posted and quickly deleted a parody AV cover of 'Squid Game' on his Instagram story, which featured explicit images of Japanese women. His agency, BH Entertainment, stated it was an accidental upload while checking DMs.

Some questioned the truthfulness of this explanation, noting that Instagram's functionality doesn't allow direct sharing from DMs to stories. As many are familiar with Instagram, the public doubted his explanation, escalating the issue.

With no further statement from BH Entertainment, Park Sung-hoon's 'Squid Game 2' interview was imminent. According to industry sources, the interview was scheduled by the organizers, not his agency, making it unavoidable. Park had to address the 'explicit content upload' controversy and clarify his previous statement, drawing significant attention.

Park Sung-hoon appeared at the interview in all-black attire, looking noticeably thinner than at the production announcement. Although the event was meant to discuss the project, the focus was on his personal controversy. It was assumed that both Park and his agency had prepared extensively.

With teary eyes, Park addressed the controversy, saying, "I sincerely apologize for causing discomfort. This project was completed with the efforts of many, and I regret causing trouble with my mistake. Although this event isn't about me, I worry that my issue might hurt my colleagues."

Na In-woo also faced the need to address personal issues publicly. His agency stated on the 17th of last month that he was exempted from military service after waiting for a summons for three years without receiving one.

Public reactions were mixed. Some congratulated him on his "good fortune," while others questioned the delay, considering his active career. Critics recalled his rise to fame in 2021 and suggested he could have completed his service earlier.

Na In-woo's agency did not release a statement. About three weeks later, the MBC 'Motel California' production announcement took place. Like Park, Na In-woo couldn't reschedule the event, which was organized by the production team. Although the event was meant to discuss the project, questions about Na In-woo's military exemption were anticipated.

Early in the Q&A session, Na In-woo was asked about his military status. He appeared prepared, calmly stating, "I apologize for addressing this here."

He continued, "Given the sensitivity of the issue, I had to make a decision, and I chose silence." He added, "I can't disclose personal medical reasons, but I hope people will understand."

Both Park Sung-hoon and Na In-woo seemed aware that their statements were necessary at events meant for their projects. They prioritized apologizing for any impact on their work. If they had provided satisfactory explanations earlier, the focus might not have been so heavily on their personal issues at these official events.

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