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Entertainment

All about Kim Seon-ho’s scandal, from abuse to abortion, and how Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha cast are...

E / Entertainment

All about Kim Seon-ho’s scandal, from abuse to abortion, and how Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha cast are affected

He has acknowledged the scandal, and apologised for “incompetence” towards his ex

by KWOK KAR PENG  /   October 21, 2021
Kim Seon-ho'

Credit: Instagram/seonho__kim

On Sunday (Oct 17) night when K-drama Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha screened its last episode, fans were heartbroken — not just because the saccharine-sweet romance series had ended.

Earlier that evening, an anonymous Korean netizen wrote on the online community website Nate Pann claiming her ex-boyfriend — actor K who recently rose to fame — manipulated and mentally abused her, including forcing her to have an abortion.

While the netizen didn’t name the actor and there wasn’t any proof at that time, her claims suggested that it is Kim Seon-ho, the much beloved lead actor in Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha. Korean media singled him out and reporter-YouTuber Lee Jin-ho also released a video declaring the 35-year-old star as actor K.

On Oct 20 morning, the Kim Seon-ho released his apology, admitting he’s “actor K”, though his vague statement didn’t specify if all the allegations made by his ex-girlfriend are true.

“I experienced a fear like I had never felt before,” Seon-ho said in the note, when he first saw news articles linking him to the scandal.

“I dated this person with good feelings. But during the relationship, I hurt this person due to my incompetence and lack of consideration. I had hoped to meet her again in order to deliver my sincere apology, but I am currently unable to do so and am waiting for that time when I am presented with the opportunity,” he said.

He then apologised for disappointing those who had trusted and supported him.

“I was only able to stand tall as actor Kim Seon-ho because of the people who cheered me on, but I had forgotten this fact. I also take this time to apologise to the many people who worked with me on various productions for the harm which I have caused, due to my mistakes.”

His management agency Salt Entertainment subsequently released their statement, apologising for causing alarm to many people due to his private matters and to those hurt by the revelation.

Widespread repercussions are being felt in the showbiz eco-system. Here’s a look at what has happened so far.

READ NEXT

Kim Seon-ho: 7 things to know about Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha’s male lead

New K-dramas to look forward to, starring our fave actors like Song Hye-kyo

https://www.herworld.com/gallery/life/entertainment/kim-seon-ho-scandal-abuse-abortion/
All about Kim Seon-ho's scandal, from abuse to abortion, and how Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha cast are affected
The accusations against actor K
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The netizen claimed she and actor K began dating in early 2020 and they broke up four months ago after he became famous and changed drastically.

When she became pregnant, he allegedly told her to get an abortion as having a child would affect his career and his ability to support his parents. He also allegedly told her that he would have to pay 900 million won in penalties if he had a child. According to the woman, actor K said even though they would lose the baby, he would marry her two years later.

This is despite the doctor telling her that she might have difficulties conceiving in the future if she had an abortion. She proceeded with it nevertheless as she believed his promise.

Afterwards, she claimed he was irritable towards her, picked fights with her if she responded in a way that he didn’t like, and criticised her over small matters like how she texted her messages. He also allegedly blamed her when a Korean media outlet found out about their romance.

She said actor K is two-faced, pretending to be a nice guy on TV while cussing often at her. He also allegedly badmouthed his co-workers, including directors and co-stars, and didn’t appreciate gifts and letters from his fans.

He gradually deleted photos of her in his phone, and demanded she do the same, including deleting her phone messaging app to prevent reporters from getting access to their messages.

The woman claimed she’s in a state of severe psychological and physical trauma because of actor K.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 김선호 (@seonho__kim)

Companies remove Seon-ho
image

Within two days of the allegations, several brands in South Korea pre-emptively removed all images and publicity collateral that featured Seon-ho, even before he admitted to the scandal.

Domino’s Pizza Korea, Canon Korea and Food Bucket reportedly hid advertisements and posts that featured Seon-ho from their social media accounts. A Domino’s Pizza commercial that featured him was also set to private on the brand’s official YouTube channel.

Instagram/rinrin_seonho
Seon-ho's agency responded to the allegations
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Before Seon-ho responded to the allegations, his agency issued a statement on Oct 19, apologising for the “startling news”.

It said: “First of all, we apologise for the delay in releasing this official statement about the speculations around him. We are currently looking into the online post and verifying the story with Kim Seon-ho himself. Please note that nothing has been confirmed yet and we ask that you give us more time to fact check.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 김선호 (@seonho__kim)

Co-stars of Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha affected
image

The three main leads of Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha were scheduled to hold wrap-up interviews with the Korean press after the finale of the drama series was aired.

However, lead actress Shin Min-ah cancelled her interview — originally scheduled for Oct 18. Her agency said it was postponed due to “internal circumstances”.

The agencies representing Seon-ho and actor Lee Sang-yi today cancelled their interviews, which were scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday respectively, citing the same reason as Min-ah.

(Read also “Korean Actress Shin Min-Ah’s Best Fashion Looks Through The Years“)

Instagram/seonho__kim
Seon-ho to drop out of hosting show
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Korean media also reported that Seon-ho will drop out of hosting the popular variety show 2 Days & 1 Night. The production team reportedly had a meeting this morning to confirm his departure.

In their statement, the team said they would edit out his scenes to the best of their abilities in episodes that were filmed prior to the scandal to “minimise the discomfort inflicted on viewers”.

The other show hosts — Yeon Jung-hoon, Moon Se-yoon, DinDin, Kim Jong-min and Ravi — are reportedly feeling very disappointed with the shocking turn of events.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 김선호 (@seonho__kim)

Other movies he's due to star in
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The fate of three movies that Seon-ho is due to star in are also up in the air. Koreaboo reported that Tristes Tropiques is scheduled to begin production next month, Dog Days in December and 2pm Date in March, but it is uncertain whether the productions will keep Seon-ho in the cast or find a replacement actor.

This article was first published in AsiaOne, and subsequently updated.

Read Next

All the K-pop bullying scandals that are blowing up now

These handsome K-drama oppas are sure to make you swoon

10 K-dramas with healing stories that hit you in the feels

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 김선호 (@seonho__kim)

  • TAGS:
  • kim seon ho
  • korean actor
  • Korean celebs
  • korean scandal
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MCI (P) 049/10/2021. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No. 202120748H. Copyright © 2022 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.