Choi Min-hwan Sparks Controversy Over “The Return of Superman” Cancellation Due to Sexual Misconduct Allegations

How is it possible for individuals to engage in sexual misconduct while simultaneously presenting themselves as devoted fathers to the entire nation? These men, who captured the public’s hearts as affectionate “super dads”on programs showcasing their parenting, were reportedly leading hidden, scandalous lives. This troubling nature of duality has led to overwhelming calls for the cancellation of KBS 2TV’s “The Return of Superman.”

On April 7, FT Island’s Choi Min-hwan debuted on “The Return of Superman,” portraying a single father taking care of his three kids following his separation from Yulhee. He quickly garnered admiration from the audience, effectively managing everything from his 5-year-old twin daughters A-yoon and A-rin’s fashion choices to the upbringing of his responsible eldest son Jae-yul.

Old Footage Shows FT Island’s Choi Min-hwan Asking Wife’s Permission To Drink Til Midnight

Choi Min-hwan particularly won the affection of viewers by showing deference towards his ex-wife Yulhee, stating, “Since she contributes significantly in areas where I lack, I ensure our children can see their mom whenever desired. She is an invaluable parent to them.” His deep love for his children and sincere attempts at connecting with them made for truly touching moments.

However, a recent controversy broke out when Yulhee took to her personal YouTube channel to disclose that Choi Min-hwan had often frequented adult entertainment venues during their marriage and had been involved in acts of sexual harassment. She recounted alarming incidents where he had stuffed money into her chest in front of relatives and had inappropriately touched her in front of his family.

The public’s shock escalated with the leak of voice recordings in which Choi Min-hwan engaged in late-night discussions with someone presumed to be an adult worker, making inquiries about “girls.” His choice of language, using terms related to prostitution and asking, “Are there no girls at room salons?” incited widespread outrage. This situation was intensified by advice urging him to go on a family vacation instead.

In light of the developments, an OSEN report affirmed that all footage and replays featuring Choi Min-hwan and his children—Jae-yul, A-rin, and A-yoon—have been removed from streaming platforms. An insider explained that the production team acted promptly to limit the potential impact on the children involved. Subsequently, clips of the Choi family were taken down from the KBS site, along with domestic streaming service WAVVE and other online portals.

A similar situation unfolded for Kang Kyung-joon, who previously faced infidelity allegations. Known for his heartwarming “love story of the century” alongside actress Jang Shin-young, they met during the JTBC drama “Flower of Revenge” in 2013. His tender parenting with her son from a prior marriage also endeared him to the public.

Kang also solidified his image as a doting dad through his participation in “The Return of Superman” alongside his sons. His eldest boy, at 17, was actively involved in entertainment, even taking on a minor role in a drama titled “Korea-Khitan War.” Last year, viewers were touched by the charming stories of Jung-an, who bears a resemblance to his mother, and the affectionate 5-year-old Jung-woo, who resembles his father.

Yet, on December 26 of the previous year, Kang Kyung-joon found himself at the center of scandal when reports surfaced involving a 50 million won (approximately $36,000 USD) damages suit, with allegations of infidelity. A plaintiff accused him of carrying on an affair with his spouse, Mrs. A, claiming the two had engaged romantically while employed at a real estate brokerage.

The case concluded with Kang Kyung-joon conceding to the plaintiff’s claims. While his legal representative stated that they recognized the 50 million won claim, they maintained the stance that it was not infidelity, opting to settle rather than prolong legal disputes, as Kang was already dealing with the fallout of the scandal.

Through his representatives, Kang Kyung-joon offered an apology, remarking, “While I wished to clarify several inaccuracies or seek to explain differing details, I ultimately concluded it was my duty to accept these realities, as the misunderstandings and criticisms stemmed from my own actions.”

Uhm Tae-woong, alongside his daughter Uhm Ji-on, joined “The Return of Superman” in January 2015, delighting audiences for ten months with their genuine chemistry, but Uhm Tae-woong faced public outrage the following year due to a prostitution scandal. He was accused of sexual assault by a female staff member at a massage parlor.

Following an investigation, it was determined that the accuser had conspired with the establishment’s owner to extract money, resulting in Uhm being fined 1 million won ($725 USD) for prostitution rather than facing sexual assault charges. Although public sentiment was disappointed, his wife Yoon Hye-jin supported him, and their family now shares their joyful moments on their YouTube channel.

Since its debut in 2013, “The Return of Superman” has become a staple of Korean entertainment, running for over a decade. The show has introduced numerous beloved families, including Choo Sung-hoon and Sa-rang, Song Il-gook with his triplets, Lee Dong-gook with his five kids, as well as Sam Hammington with the William-Bentley brothers, Gary and Ha-oh, and Moon Hee-jun alongside So-yul. The families often received accolades at year-end entertainment award ceremonies.

Nonetheless, there is a shared belief that the pressures placed on children from celebrity families are excessively burdensome. It’s particularly disheartening to see these children, once showcased as adorable, now linked to their fathers’ indiscretions, which were previously framed under the guise of fatherly love.

Source: Naver

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Images Credit: Kbizoom.com