Actor Park Sung-hoon's Controversial Comeback in Romantic Comedy with Han Ji-min

'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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Actor Park Sung-hoon, who faced backlash for uploading explicit content, is set to make a comeback in a romantic comedy. His co-star will be Han Ji-min. This marks his return to television a year after the controversy, and public opinion is divided on his choice of genre.

Park Sung-hoon will return to the small screen through JTBC's new romantic comedy drama 'Efficient Meeting of Single Men and Women.' The series follows a woman who decides to find love and meets two men with different charms, leading her to discover the true meaning of love. The first episode is scheduled to air on the 28th of next month.

Han Ji-min will play the female lead. Known for her stable acting across various genres, including romance, melodrama, and human drama, Han Ji-min's collaboration with Park Sung-hoon is noteworthy as both actors are under BH Entertainment.

The attention on Park Sung-hoon's return to romantic comedy stems from the controversy a year ago. In December 2024, he uploaded a cover of explicit content related to the Netflix series 'Squid Game 2' on his personal SNS story, which quickly spread online despite being deleted shortly after.

Given Park Sung-hoon's previously clean and upright image, the disappointment was significant. Critics pointed out his lack of copyright awareness and poor SNS management as a public figure.

In response to the growing controversy, Park Sung-hoon's team stated that the issue arose from a mistake while conveying the content to an employee. However, the explanation was deemed unconvincing, leading to his withdrawal from the tvN drama 'The Tyrant's Chef.' Industry insiders speculated that a return to romantic comedy would be challenging.

Contrary to predictions, Park Sung-hoon has confirmed his comeback in the romantic comedy genre, sparking both anticipation and concern. While interest in the project has grown, some worry that his past controversy might affect the drama's immersion. Some netizens expressed discomfort with his return to a romantic comedy, citing difficulty in emotionally connecting with his character.

On the other hand, some argue that acting and personal controversies should be viewed separately. Having taken responsibility through a public apology and stepping down, there is no reason to block his return. Some believe he should be given a chance to be reevaluated as an actor through this project.

'Efficient Meeting of Single Men and Women' explores modern dating through the realistic setting of blind dates, focusing on the subtle changes in emotions and choices within relationships. The male lead's charm and persuasiveness are crucial.

The key question is whether Park Sung-hoon's previously acclaimed acting skills can once again resonate with viewers. His ability to seamlessly embody the character and prove his presence as an actor beyond personal issues is under scrutiny.

The production team's decision to cast him suggests confidence in his acting ability and suitability for the role. Ultimately, the audience will deliver the final verdict after the broadcast.

All eyes are on whether Park Sung-hoon's 'rom-com' comeback will defy expectations or if concerns will materialize. The chemistry with Han Ji-min and its impact on viewers will be revealed next month.

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