On December 30, 2024, South Korean actor Park Sung-hoon found himself at the center of controversy after uploading an explicit parody of Squid Game to his Instagram account. The post, which featured provocative imagery resembling an AV cover, was swiftly deleted. However, screenshots of the post had already gone viral, igniting intense criticism across social media platforms.
BH Entertainment Responds
In response to the growing backlash, BH Entertainment, the actor’s agency, released a public statement explaining the incident. They claimed the upload was unintentional, caused by the actor mistakenly posting the image while attempting to manage a high volume of direct messages on his account. The statement emphasized that Park Sung-hoon was shocked by the incident and sincerely apologized for his actions. The agency stated:
“Park Sung-hoon was receiving too many DMs on his social media, and he accidentally uploaded it while checking the messages. The actor himself was very surprised, and he is very sorry for making such a mistake.”
Despite the apology, the explanation drew skepticism from netizens. Many found the reasoning implausible and criticized the agency’s attempt to deflect blame.
Internet Reacts to the Statement
The controversy gained further traction as users on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) shared their thoughts on the agency’s justification. One user remarked, “Idk how this is supposed to help cause this just confirms he had the image saved in his phone lol.” Another added, “Do they think we are dumb? Posting on Instagram is a step-wise process. It’s not a single click like writing a comment.”
Some netizens criticized the actor for having such content saved on his phone, labeling it as inappropriate and unacceptable. Comments like “The thing is, he looked at it and has it saved on his phone. He is filthy” and “They should have gone with the ‘he was hacked’ excuse” highlighted public dissatisfaction with both the actor and his agency’s explanation.
The incident also sparked broader criticism of BH Entertainment, with one user commenting, “BH Entertainment is really the worst company ever. Founded by the worst people, employing the worst people, and protecting them with all their might.”
Park Sung-hoon’s Career and Role in Squid Game Season 2
Park Sung-hoon has been an established figure in South Korea’s entertainment industry, known for his versatility in roles ranging from historical dramas to modern thrillers. He gained significant attention for his performances in The Glory and Queen of Tears. His recent role in Squid Game Season 2 as Hyun-joo, a transgender character navigating personal struggles, earned him praise for his portrayal of complex emotions.
While his acting career has been lauded, this controversy threatens to overshadow his achievements. The timing of the incident, coinciding with the release of Squid Game Season 2 on December 26, has left fans and critics debating the future implications for his career.
Public Opinion Divided
Opinions remain polarized, with some fans defending the actor as a victim of an honest mistake, while others demand accountability. The controversy underscores the increasing scrutiny public figures face in the digital age, where even minor missteps can lead to widespread condemnation.
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