[HanCinema's News] Actors Under Less Scrutiny for Criminal Behavior Than in Years Past

Back in 2016, actor Choi Seung-hyun, best known by his stage name T.O.P and membership in BIGBANG, was convicted of smoking marijuana. In between his drug abuse issues and mandatory military service, Choi Seung-hyun had largely disappeared from media production. So many were surprised to learn that he was among the cast members confirmed for the high profile "Squid Game - Season 2" for next month. Others were surprised that this comeback was not more controversial.

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The South Korean entertainment industry has long been notorious for having a low tolerance for deviant behavior, although prior to #MeToo adjacent allegations, such scrutiny was generally seen as overly harsh. But these are different times. Also featured in "Squid Game - Season 2" is Oh Dal-soo, who has slowly recovered from sexual harassment allegations to a shadow of his former career. After "I, The Executioner" in September, this is his most high profile role yet.

"Squid Game - Season 2" isn't the only example of such a change. Kwak Do-won had a ten thousand dollar fine for drunk driving on Jeju Island two years prior. But he's still appearing in the major film "Firefighters" next month. Bae Sung-woo lost his driving received a seven thousand dollar fine for intoxicated driving in Gangnam, but still appeared in "The 8 Show" earlier this year on Netflix. For some, criminal conviction has become forgettable.

There are clear limits, however. Yoo Ah-in has not been able to weather more serious criminal convictions against him, and had to be recast entirely for "Hellbound - Season 2" last month. But given enough time, it's entirely possible that he, too, may be able to make a quiet return.

Written by William Schwartz