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.
