The explosive popularity of Korean dramas and films around the world has drawn significant investment into the country’s entertainment industry. However, this global spotlight has also brought to light a major concern—“actor risk.” This term refers to the unpredictable fallout when actors face scandals, which can delay or derail costly productions.
Yoo Ah-in, once a celebrated actor, has become a central figure in this issue due to his involvement in a drug scandal. Although he was placed on probation after his second trial earlier this year, his legal troubles caused major delays for projects he starred in. His film The Match was shelved for two years before finally hitting theaters in March, with his presence minimized in promotions despite the movie eventually achieving financial success.
Interestingly, despite the controversy, Yoo’s performance in The Match earned him a nomination for Best Actor at the Director’s Cut Awards, showcasing the complicated balance between a star’s artistic contribution and their personal missteps. This juxtaposition has spurred public debate on whether a talented performance can or should overshadow off-screen behavior.
Yoo’s other film, Hi-Five, which wrapped filming in 2021, is set for release at the end of May. Director Kang Hyoung-chul described the actor’s situation as regrettable but confirmed the movie would be released without altering Yoo’s scenes. This decision underscores how productions sometimes proceed as planned, even amid controversy, due to the extensive resources already invested.
Beyond criminal matters, even personal controversies can have significant impact. Kim Soo-hyun recently faced backlash over rumors of a relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron, which sparked speculation about when the alleged relationship began. This controversy led Disney+ to suspend the release of Knock-Off, a high-profile series featuring Kim, despite it being originally slated for April.
The industry is now debating whether projects starring controversial actors should be released at all. According to insiders, halting a production due to a scandal is not a simple decision, as each film or series involves extensive collaboration and financial commitments from a large number of people, all of whom depend on the project’s success for their livelihood.
However, others argue that public figures must face consequences and take meaningful time for self-reflection following scandals. A past example is the backlash against casting T.O.P of BIGBANG in Squid Game Season 2, due to his previous drug conviction. This shows that public memory is long, especially in the digital age where controversies remain searchable indefinitely.
Finally, with actor salaries in Korea rising rapidly—now reportedly higher than those in Japan—streaming platforms may think twice before committing to Korean talent. This economic pressure reinforces the need for actors to practice personal responsibility, as their actions can affect not only themselves but entire productions and industry partnerships.