Actor Park Sung-hoon's Comeback Struggles Amid Controversy

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Actor Park Sung-hoon is facing criticism for not showing a significant rebound in his comeback project following a controversy over uploading explicit content on social media. In late 2024, he posted explicit material on his personal Instagram story, which led to public backlash. After a year-long hiatus, he returned to the romance genre, but both viewership ratings and public interest have been disappointing.

JTBC's weekend drama 'Efficient Meeting of Singles' premiered on February 28. The show, starring Han Ji-min and Park Sung-hoon, explores themes of marriage, dating, and realistic human relationships. The casting news was a hot topic due to Park's controversial return, but the show's performance has been lukewarm.

In December 2024, Park faced a scandal for uploading explicit content on his Instagram story, which significantly decreased his public favorability. He subsequently withdrew from the tvN show 'The Tyrant's Chef.' This controversy arose just as he was expected to reach new heights with Netflix's 'The Glory' and 'Squid Game,' altering his career trajectory.

Aside from 'Squid Game 2,' which was already filmed, Park's first comeback project post-controversy is 'Efficient Meeting of Singles.' The casting of Han Ji-min, a well-liked actress, in a romance genre raised eyebrows, with some questioning, "Why choose a romance for a comeback?"

Both actors are represented by BH Entertainment, adding another layer of intrigue. Han Ji-min received praise for her previous role in SBS's 'My Perfect Secretary' alongside Lee Jun-hyuk. News of her next project with Park Sung-hoon led to mixed reactions, with some expressing disappointment and others suggesting that Han Ji-min might be unfairly burdened by the casting choice.

The promotional strategy was also unconventional. Unlike many dramas that feature lead actors on variety shows to engage viewers, Han Ji-min and Park Sung-hoon did not appear together on such programs. Instead, Han Ji-min appeared on the web variety show 'Excuse Go' with fellow agency actors Han Hyo-joo and Park Bo-young.

Viewership ratings have not shown a clear upward trend. 'Efficient Meeting of Singles' started with a 3.1% rating and has fluctuated between 3-4% up to its eighth episode. Despite being scheduled in a relatively competition-free time slot at 10:40 PM on weekends, it has failed to capture significant attention.

The show's buzz metrics are similarly lackluster. In the third week of March, Park Sung-hoon did not appear in the drama actor buzz rankings released by Good Data Corporation. Meanwhile, Joo Ji-hoon from ENA's 'Climax' topped the list, with Yoo Yeon-seok, Ha Jung-woo, and Seo In-guk also ranking high. In comparison, Park's presence is minimal.

Reactions to the show itself are mixed. Some viewers find the dialogue and direction outdated, particularly criticizing the portrayal of single women in their 30s as not aligning with current societal trends. This, coupled with Park Sung-hoon's involvement, is seen as detracting from the show's overall reception.

Even before the show aired, there was skepticism about Park's casting in a romance genre for his comeback. As the show progresses without a shift in momentum, these concerns seem validated. While there is still potential for recovery as the series continues, the prevailing sentiment is that Park has yet to make a significant impact in his first project post-controversy.

Given the romance genre's reliance on actor likability and character immersion, Park's casting has not translated into positive results in terms of ratings or buzz. The consistent 3-4% viewership and absence from buzz rankings suggest a lack of strong presence.

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