Squid Game actor Park Sung-hoon exits upcoming TV drama after scandal where he posted cover of adult video online
The 39-year-old actor was originally offered a lead role in the upcoming South Korean drama The Tyrant's Chef, alongside Girls' Generation member Yoona.

South Korean actor Park Sung-hoon poses for photographs during the global premiere of the Netflix series Squid Game Season 2 in Seoul, South Korea on Dec 9, 2024. (Photo: Reuters/Kim Hong-ji)
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Squid Game star Park Sung-hoon, who is currently facing backlash after accidentally posting the cover of a Japanese adult video on his Instagram page, has exited the upcoming drama series The Tyrant's Chef.
Park, 39, had been offered a lead role in the series, alongside Girls' Generation member Yoona, 34.
In a statement on Sunday (Jan 12), a spokesperson from Studio Dragon – the production company of The Tyrant's Chef – said: "After discussions between the production team and Park Sung-hoon’s side, it was decided that it would be difficult for him to participate in this project.
"Both the actor and his agency have repeatedly apologised for the recent events and have worked closely with us to address the situation. After thorough discussions, we have decided to go our separate ways."
The controversy sparked on Dec 30, 2024 after Park accidentally posted the cover of a Squid Game-based Japanese adult video on his Instagram Story. At the time, his agency BH Entertainment explained that Park had “received the image via direct message” and “accidentally posted it by mistakenly pressing the wrong button”.
In an interview with South Korean journalists on Jan 8, Park offered his version of the events that transpired.
"At that time, it was the first week of [Squid Game Season 2]’s release, and I was exchanging reactions from viewers with the agency staff. When I saw the image, I was so shocked and dumbfounded that I thought it could cause a serious issue. So, I saved the image to share it with the staff," he said.
"Ultimately, it was my mistake that led to the post, and I fully acknowledge that wrong is wrong. Squid Game 2 has been receiving so much love, and I feel deeply sorry for causing controversy. I am acutely aware of the concern I caused to many people due to my actions. Over the past few days, I’ve been consumed with regret. Even at this very moment, I continue to reflect on my actions and the severity of the situation. I am committed to being more cautious in my words and actions moving forward to ensure I never repeat such a mistake, and to continue my career as a responsible actor."
Before the incident, Park's career had been on the rise following his well-received roles in hit dramas such as The Glory and Queen Of Tears.
On Mon (Jan 13), South Korean news outlet Sports Chosun reported that Hierachy actor Lee Chae-min, 24, is in talks to replace Park Sung-hoon in The Tyrant's Chef.
Directed by My Love From The Star's Jang Tae-yoo, The Tyrant's Chef is a fantasy romance drama that tells the story of a French restaurant chef who time-travels and meets a gourmand who is also a tyrant king.