Actor Park Sung-hoon Returns with New Drama Amid Past Controversy

Actor Park Sung-hoon, who was previously embroiled in controversy over posting explicit content, is set to make a comeback with a new project.

Scheduled to premiere in 2026, JTBC's new drama 'Efficient Meeting of Singles' is based on the Naver webtoon of the same name by author Tari. The story follows a woman who decides to find love through blind dates, meeting two men with different charms, and ultimately discovering the true meaning of love.

The drama features a star-studded cast including romance queen Han Ji-min, versatile actor Park Sung-hoon, Lee Ki-taek, and the lively energy of Jung Hye-sung and Kim So-hye. Together, they present a tailored dating guide for those seeking quick and easy paths to romance.

Han Ji-min takes on the role of Lee Yi-young, an assistant manager in the purchasing team at The Hills Hotel. Despite her professional success and the trust of her colleagues, Lee Yi-young struggles in her love life. Declaring her pursuit of 'artificial meetings,' she embarks on blind dates. Viewers are eager to see if Lee Yi-young will find the love she desires and how Han Ji-min will portray her character's romantic journey.

Park Sung-hoon plays Song Tae-seop, Lee Yi-young's blind date. As the owner of a woodworking studio, Song Tae-seop dreams of meeting someone special and starting a family. Although he remains steadfast in his beliefs, an unexpected blind date stirs up a whirlwind of emotions. Audiences are curious about the nature of these feelings and Park Sung-hoon's portrayal of Song Tae-seop.

Lee Ki-taek portrays Shin Ji-soo, a character with a personality opposite to Song Tae-seop. Shin Ji-soo unexpectedly meets his destined partner, Lee Yi-young, on a blind date and experiences a life-changing moment. Known for his free-spirited nature, Shin Ji-soo begins to change due to his fateful encounter. Lee Ki-taek's performance is anticipated as he showcases the transformation of this charming younger man.

Jung Hye-sung plays Jung Hyun-min, a member of the purchasing team at The Hills Hotel, showcasing a delightful 'womance' with Han Ji-min. Jung Hyun-min, a dopamine addict, prefers shallow and light relationships over deep connections. Her carefree love life, driven by her open-mindedness, will be brought to life by Jung Hye-sung's vibrant energy.

Kim So-hye transforms into Shim Sae-byeok, the beloved rookie of the purchasing team. As a newcomer to the workforce, Shim Sae-byeok looks up to her senior, Lee Yi-young, aspiring to become a successful career woman. However, she faces unpredictable challenges in her journey to adapt to society. Kim So-hye's portrayal of Shim Sae-byeok is expected to resonate with young professionals.

Meanwhile, Park Sung-hoon faced controversy last December when he posted a Japanese adult content poster on his Instagram story. His agency explained, "Park Sung-hoon receives numerous DMs, and he accidentally shared it while checking them." However, the lack of a feature to accidentally post a DM photo on Instagram stories fueled the controversy.

The agency later issued a second statement, clarifying, "Park Sung-hoon received an AV cover via DM and, considering it problematic, downloaded it to send to a company representative. He intended to delete it immediately after sending it but accidentally posted it."

During a promotional interview for 'Squid Game 2,' Park Sung-hoon tearfully apologized and explained the situation. However, he decided to step down from his next project, 'The Tyrant's Chef,' starring Yoona, in January.

Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr