Despite previously facing public backlash for controversies like being spotted at a club and smoking in public, Choi Hyun-wook has again damaged his image with another incident.
On Nov 13th, Choi Hyun-wook posted a photo of a bear-shaped prop on his Instagram story, tagging four accounts. When the prop, made of reflective material, was enlarged, he appeared to be undressed, holding his phone to take the picture. Netizens criticized his lack of attire, with some asking, “Are you embarrassed?”
Last year, Choi Hyun-wook was already at the center of a scandal when a video titled “Apgujeong Rodeo Choi Hyun-wook Spotted” quickly spread online. The video showed him wearing a black tank top and white shorts, smoking, holding a woman’s hand with one hand and a cigarette with the other. He was also seen discarding the cigarette butt on the street, which drew further criticism. Choi Hyun-wook later apologized, “I should act responsibly at all times, but I let many people down with my careless behavior.“
Despite his strong on-screen image, Choi Hyun-wook’s lack of control over his private life has led to a growing sense of public disapproval. Born in 2002, Choi Hyun-wook debuted in the 2019 web drama “Real: Time: Love”, gaining attention for his role as a school bully in “Taxi Driver” and later winning a “Best New Actor” award for his performance in “Racket Boys”. He received praise for his nuanced role in “Twenty-Five Twenty-One”, but his private life—whether mingling with women at clubs or smoking in public—has sparked repeated controversies.
While some fans argue that “young actors should be allowed to go clubbing”, critics point out that, as a rookie actor, he has shown a lack of judgment and maturity. Although his recent exposure incident may seem accidental, the oversight of failing to check the photo before posting once again reveals his carelessness. The repeated controversies have led to doubts over whether Choi Hyun-wook is fit for a lead role in a romantic comedy, where maintaining a wholesome image is crucial for on-screen chemistry.
In the upcoming drama “Black Salt Dragon”, Choi Hyun-wook will work with Moon Ga-young, an actress praised for her steady performances in shows like “True Beauty” and “The Interest of Love”. Industry insiders have noted Moon Ga-young’s careful selection of her projects, but Choi Hyun-wook’s string of scandals has heightened concerns among both the public and industry professionals. In romantic comedies, the chemistry between leads is paramount, yet Choi Hyun-wook’s tarnished image may disrupt viewers’ immersion.
As Choi Hyun-wook, now in his sixth year since debut, is at a pivotal point to transition from a rising star to a lead actor, the continuous controversies suggest a lack of self-discipline. With negative opinions outweighing positive ones, there is growing doubt over whether Choi Hyun-wook can restore his image and show sincerity.
Source: Naver
