Lee Jong-suk and Park Seo-joon were once celebrated heartthrobs in the K-drama industry. Both actors, born in the 1980s, are known for their striking visuals and prominent roles. However, they now share a troubling similarity: their careers are in decline due to controversies surrounding their attitudes.
Lee Jong-suk’s Downfall – Offending a “Big Gun,” Disappearing from Screens for 2 Years
In comparison to his peak, Lee Jong-suk’s career has become alarming. Following the success of “Big Mouth” in July 2022, the actor has not engaged in any new projects. In the fiercely competitive entertainment industry, a two-year hiatus from the screen signals a serious drop in his appeal.
Lee Jong-suk’s endorsement deals have also seen a shocking decline, with his current tally sitting at zero. After ending his contract with Prada in 2021, he has failed to secure further partnerships with luxury brands. While he occasionally attends events and participates in a few photoshoots, it’s surprising given his attractive qualities, high status, and a substantial Instagram following of 26.6 million, which places him among the top actors in terms of visibility.
What caused this downturn?
As reported by TV Report, the issue stems from Lee Jong-suk’s perceived “celebrity complex” and negative reputation within the industry. His poor attitude reportedly led to tensions with Netflix, particularly when he pulled out of a project titled “See You Again” just one day before the script reading in May 2018, leading to its cancellation. Netflix subsequently issued a statement indicating that “things did not go as planned”and has since blacklisted him from future productions.
Insiders disclosed that Lee Jong-suk demanded a significant fee for his role in “See You Again.” When Netflix declined to meet his financial expectations, he canceled his participation, causing considerable distress for the platform, which had heavily promoted the project. Reportedly, some involved lost their jobs due to the ensuing chaos.
He has also been criticized for delaying confirmations on roles for “Come and Hug Me” and “The Witch: Part 1 – The Subversion,” creating challenges for all parties involved. Yet despite this, Lee Jong-suk has never issued an apology or taken responsibility for his actions, further damaging his reputation and making others hesitant to collaborate with him.
Park Seo-joon Losing Fan Support After a Series of Attitude Scandals
While Park Seo-joon’s situation is not as severe as Lee Jong-suk’s, his career is also facing challenges. In August, Park Seo-joon held three fan meetings in Seoul, Tokyo, and Osaka, but was met with numerous empty seats in Seoul. His management avoided showcasing the event in Korea, posting only pictures from Japan. The Seoul meeting notably lacked a hired MC.
Following hits like “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim” and “Itaewon Class,” Park Seo-joon’s recent projects have not garnered the same acclaim. His film “Dream,” co-starring IU, was viewed as tedious, while “Gyeongseong Creature,” a high-budget production, was criticized for its lack of engaging storytelling and characters.
Moreover, his Hollywood debut in “The Marvels” disappointed Korean audiences, where despite high expectations for his role, he only received approximately three minutes of screen time, delivering a comedic performance that lacked impact.
In 2023, Park Seo-joon was unexpectedly ranked fifth on a list of Korean actors perceived to have the worst attitudes, as noted by journalists. Reports indicated that he displayed unprofessional behavior during a press conference for “Concrete Utopia.” The actor sparked controversy by refusing to wear a headband gifted by fans, leading to surprise from his co-star Park Bo-young. Journalists also reported he seemed to prioritize relationships with influential directors and producers over genuine connections.
Despite attempts by Park Seo-joon to address the controversies, it is evident that his reputation is waning, resulting in dwindling support from fans who are now reluctant to attend his events.
K-biz Has No Place for Demanding Stars!
Korea’s cultural foundation is deeply influenced by Confucian values, which stress respect, manners, and social hierarchy. In the K-biz realm, humility and courtesy are immensely valued, even among top stars.
Politeness and modesty are crucial standards within the Korean entertainment industry. Celebrities displaying any form of misconduct can face years of public scrutiny. Notable stars who have faced similar declines include Han Ye-seul, Red Velvet’s Irene, and Lee Da-hae.
While celebrities may seem powerful and adored, true authority within productions often rests with directors and screenwriters, who can wield significant influence over casting decisions. If Lee Jong-suk and Park Seo-joon fail to amend their attitudes, they may well join the ranks of stars who have seen their fame and status evaporate.
Source: K14
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