When actress Jo Hye Jung was cast opposite Yoo Seung Ho in the upcoming drama "Imaginary Cat," the reaction was mixed. Many comments were left online saying that she used her father's popularity to land the coveted role.
Jo is the daughter of actor Jo Jae Hyun.
Her father is the star of many Kim Ki Duk films and has appeared in dozens of dramas. His most recent dramas include "Scandal," "Jeong Do Jeon" and "Punch."
Jo Hye Jung is a relative rookie, having only appeared on the variety show "God's Quiz: Season 4" and currently appearing on "Because It's The First Time."
She also appears with her father on the reality TV show "Take Care of My Dad" in which celebrity dads spend time with their daughters. On the show it became known that she was a struggling actress. She had not had much luck getting parts. Being on a TV show with your dad and letting people know you are looking for a job might get you hired.
But some felt that was taking unnecessary advantage.
Jo Hye Jung's representatives made a statement concerning the criticism. According to the Korean media group MK, they expressed their disappointment.
"We have found some criticism regarding Jo Hye Jung and her father. It's disappointing to see such biased views. If someone is a bad actor or actress, then he or she deserves to be criticized. However, we haven't even started filming yet. So, we hope people will judge the drama for itself."
Being on a TV show with your dad and letting people know you are looking for a job might get you hired.
Jo Hye Jung has been cast as Oh Na Woo, a girl who takes in stray cats. She feels guilty about losing a cat when she was younger, so she makes up for it by caring for other cats.
The drama is based on a webtoon with the same name, which explores a human's life from his perspective and from that of his cat. Yoo Seung Ho plays Hyun Jong Hyun, the human who can't figure that it's his personality keeping him from being successful. His cat may help him learn how to deal with other humans.
"Imaginary Cat" is Yoo Seung Ho's comeback drama since completing his two-year mandatory military duty. Yoo did star in the film "The Joseon Magician."
"Imaginary Cat" is set to air in November.
What do you think about the criticism this actress faced? Is it okay to use your dad's name to get a job? Should it have been given to another actress? If so, who do you see in the role?
