'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
South Korean actor Lee Jin-wook received backlash from netizens following the release of the upcoming drama Dear Hyeri's preview as past allegations against him resurfaced online. In July 2016, The Sweet Home fame actor was accused of sexual assault by a woman in her 30s, and the actor counter-sued her for false allegations.
According to OSEN, during the investigation, the woman reportedly admitted that the sexual assault claims were false. However, the accuser later, in an interview with The Fact, claimed that she did not admit to making a false accusation against him and that the police agency involved in the case allegedly forced her to say it. In August 2016, the Seoul Suseo Police Department freed the actor of sexual offense charges.
All previous allegations have resurfaced online, with many fans dissatisfied with the casting of Dear Hyeri, which is set to be released on September 23, 2024. The drama preview received criticism from netizens when Lee Jin-wook's character Jung Hyun-oh broke up with Shin Hye-sun's Joo Eun-oh after eight long years of relationship due to different opinions on marriage.
Trending
Netizens showcased their discomfort with watching the actor on screen as they believe he may still be guilty of the allegations. At the same time, some called for a boycott despite their love for actress Shin Hye-sun and their anticipation for Dear Hyeri.
More about Lee Jin-wook's counter-lawsuit against his accuser
In July 2016, Lee Jin-wook was accused of sexual assault by a woman, and he counter-sued her the next day for false allegations. According to Maeil Kyungjae, in August 2016, his sexual assault case was forwarded to the prosecution, and he was found not guilty.
In June 2017, during the first trial of Lee Jin-wook's accuser for false allegations, the 17th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court found her not guilty due to no proof of crime. However, the Voice actor appealed in court.
In February 2018, the 2nd Criminal Appeals Division of the Seoul Central District Court overturned the first trial's results. The accuser was indicted of the false sexual assault claims charges without detention and was sentenced to 8 months in jail with two years of probation.
According to Asia Economy, the reason behind the sentence was:
"Considering that this incident was not intended for money or planned, a suspended sentence is given."
About Dear Hyeri
Dear Hyeri follows the story of an unknown news announcer, Joo Eun-ho, played by Shin Hye-sun, who has 14 years of experience in the industry. However, she failed to gain recognition from the public. Due to her deepening emotional wounds, she developed a second personality, Joo Hye-ri, who works as a parking attendant and is positive and bright.
Meanwhile, Lee Jin-wook plays the role of popular announcer, Jung Hyun-oh, who was in a relationship with Joo Eun-ho for eight years. The two broke up because of distinct views on the concept of marriage. Jung Hyun-oh, despite being a top announcer, carries a hidden pain. The story will explore Joo Eun-ho and Jung Hyun-oh's healing process as they reunite later.
Dear Hyeri is a Genie TV original drama scheduled to air every Monday and Tuesday on ENA starting September 23, 2024, at 10 pm KST.
