Actor Park Sung-hoon Discusses Return Amid Controversy at New Drama Press Conference

Actor Park Sung-hoon, who took a hiatus following a controversy over posting explicit content, shared his thoughts on returning to the spotlight.

On the 26th, a press conference for JTBC's new weekend drama 'Efficient Meeting of Single Men and Women' was held at The Link Hotel Seoul in Guro-gu, Seoul. The event was attended by director Lee Jae-hoon and actors Han Ji-min, Park Sung-hoon, and Lee Ki-taek.

'Efficient Meeting of Single Men and Women' tells the story of a woman who decides to find love and meets two men with different charms, leading her to discover the true meaning of love.

Park Sung-hoon plays Song Tae-seop, the head of a woodworking studio, who is described as a gentle yet strong-willed character. He explained, "He is a stable character equipped with respect and consideration."

Park expressed, "It's been a while since I've stood in front of the public, so I'm nervous. I've been approaching my work and life with caution and seriousness. When I heard that Han Ji-min was cast, I was eager to work with her as a fan. I believe this relatable drama will resonate with many people. Previously, I showed a rougher side, but I think I can present a new image this time."

When asked about any pressure returning to the romance genre, Park said, "I had a thirst and longing for romantic comedies, so I approached filming with anticipation. The director guided us well, allowing the shoot to proceed smoothly."

Meanwhile, Park Sung-hoon faced controversy in December 2024 when he posted a parody of a Japanese adult film (AV) poster related to his role in Netflix's 'Squid Game' Season 2 on social media. Although the post was deleted within a minute, screenshots spread rapidly, leading to the 'explicit content controversy.'

His agency explained, "It was a mistake that occurred while checking a DM," but public disappointment was significant. In an interview with reporters, Park tearfully expressed his feelings at the time, saying, "I apologize for causing discomfort with my thoughtless actions. It was a mistake that I find hard to forgive myself for," bowing his head in remorse.

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