Yoo Ah-in and BIG BANG’s T.O.P: Fierce Debate Arises Over the Quick Return of Drug-Using Actors

Last month, on the 26th, the Netflix series “Goodbye Earth”was released amidst controversy surrounding the lead actor Yoo Ah-in’s drug use. In order to address the issue, the series was edited to reduce Yoo Ah-in’s screen time, but his presence and importance to the story remained unchanged due to the weight of his role and the overall flow of the drama.

Despite filming for the drama being completed before Yoo’s drug issue came to light, numerous viewers expressed feeling less engaged with the drama whenever his face appeared on screen. As a result, “Goodbye Earth”is facing intense backlash from viewers due to Yoo Ah-in’s involvement.

Choi Seung-hyun (also known as T.O.P.), a former member of BIG BANG who has a history of drug use, is set to return to the screen in Season 2 of the Netflix series “Squid Game” , joining another actor with a criminal record. The highly-anticipated season is scheduled to be released this year.

In 2017, he was convicted of cannabis inhalation and received a 10-month prison sentence and 2 years of probation from the court. He then hinted at retiring from the entertainment industry and withdrew from BIG BANG. This marks his return to the entertainment industry after approximately 7 years since his appearance in the 2016 Chinese film “Out of Control” and after approximately 9 years since his last appearance in a Korean film, “Tazza,” released in 2014.

Indeed, the incident involving Yoo Ah-in occurred after the series had been produced. As a result, it is completely understandable that editing was necessary as the hard work and dedication of countless producers and actors should not be disregarded because of one individual.

Despite concerns from Korean netizens, casting someone like Choi in “Squid Game”is seen as potentially inviting public criticism. Is his acting ability truly irreplaceable? What criteria should be used for self-reflection, and how many scandal-plagued stars are looking to redeem themselves through acting? It is worth noting that numerous celebrities, such as Shin Dong-yeop, Lee Seung-cheol, Ahn Jae-wook, Ha Jung-woo, Joo Ji-hoon, Yoon Je-moon, and B.I., have made successful comebacks despite past controversies surrounding drugs and drunk driving.

The source is daum.