"Can't root for a male lead with a reputation like that"- Fans react as The Tyrant's Chef halts amid Park Sung-hoon's controversial post backlash

Actor Park Sung-hoon has found himself at the center of a storm following a controversial Instagram story. On December 30, the actor shared a Japanese pornographic photo parodying Netflix’s Squid Game. The image, containing explicit content, was deleted shortly after. However, the video sparked widespread criticism.

The controversy has now extended to his upcoming tvN drama, The Tyrant's Chef. Speculation arose that the script reading scheduled for January 2 was canceled due to the backlash. However, an official from the production team refuted these claims. Speaking to the South Korean media outlet OSEN, they clarified,

"The script reading was canceled to observe the national mourning period for the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster. It was not related to Park Sung-hoon's personal controversy."

tvN addressed the situation, stating to another South Korean media outlet Edaily:

"We adjusted the script reading schedule in consideration of the social atmosphere."

Despite their explanation, suspicions linger that the controversy surrounding Park Sung-hoon influenced the decision. YoonA and Kdrama fans, however, remained divided. Many expressed discomfort with the actor's involvement in the project. One fan posted on X,

"Yes maybe he can still do dramas but not a romcom. The fact that he's openly into that type of porn is giving the ick. U can't root for a male lead with a reputation like that. His image is tarnished. Idk Maybe just stick to playing villains."

Others expressed concern for the production team and co-stars, especially Im Yoon-ah.

"hope they recast the male lead. don’t want that guy anywhere near yoona 😒" said one netizen.

"He should voluntarily withdraw from this drama. His mistake could affect everyone around him. If he truly sorry, at least take some time to reflect and stay low for a while. I don't think he would facing any problem to comeback, just like any other problematic actors...." wrote another netizen.

"I’m so disappointed in him and then him not apologizing or anything isn’t making it any better for him," shared one X user.

Another individual remarked:

"Its really disappointing how women is treated like this in the industry instead of them taking accountable for the actions of the male actors they just let it slide and act like nothing happen Imagine a female celeb accidentally post a 🌽 poster on her ig the backlash she will receive will be far more harsh than the man."

Some fans defended him, suggesting the mistake was unintentional, and that the actor had apologized for his mistake.

"srsly, stop acting like y'all guys don't watch or even come across porn, i need him back and alive at the end of squid game 😭😭😭" commented one fan.

"South Korea and their weird ways of aways trying to act innocent,grow up.." wrote a person on X.

"Y’all insane for this , we are all adult , he already apologized, if only y’all can give same treatment to those actors that were guilty of sexual assault 😏" read a comment on X.

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Controversy strikes The Tyrant's Chef as Park Sung-hoon faces backlash over Instagram post

The Tyrant's Chef is based on the web novel Surviving as Yeonsangun's Chef by Park Kook-jae. The story follows a skilled chef who time-travels to the past to cook for King Yeonsangun, a ruler known for his cruelty and love of fine food.

Park Sung-hoon is cast as the king, a character torn between his tyranny and passion for gourmet cuisine. This casting was confirmed by Hankyung.com on December 2, 2024. Earlier reports from OSEN on September 24, 2024, disclosed that Girls’ Generation's Lim YoonA will play the female lead. She will portray a modern chef who navigates the challenges of cooking in the royal court.

The production team has finalized the main cast and is preparing to begin filming, with plans to release the drama later this year.

Initially, fans have been excited about Park Sung-hoon in a lead role, a departure from his previous antagonist characters in The Glory (2022) and Queen of Tears (2024). Park Sung-hoon recently also gained recognition for his role as Hyun Joo (Player #120), a transgender woman, in Squid Game season 2, released on December 26. Although the casting choice sparked initial controversy, his portrayal earned him critical praise and attracted a new fanbase.

Social media has buzzed with anticipation for his chemistry with YoonA. However, after the recent controversy, many fans, especially YoonA's supporters, are calling for Park Sung-hoon’s removal from the project.

In response to the backlash, Park Sung-hoon's agency, BH Entertainment, issued an official statement clarifying the incident. They explained that the actor accidentally posted the controversial image while managing an influx of direct messages (DMs) on his social media. The agency stated:

“Park Sung-hoon was receiving too many DMs on his social media, and he accidentally uploaded it while checking the DMs. The actor himself was very surprised, and he is very sorry for making such a mistake in these times.”

The agency assured the public that Park Sung-hoon is aware of the gravity of the situation and will exercise more caution moving forward. Despite the apology, screenshots of the deleted post spread quickly online, intensifying public anger.