An award nomination is making a positive statement about Park Shi Hoo's acting career, which was damaged by a scandal earlier this year.
The actor was nominated for a Rookie Award for his role in the film "I Am A Murderer" at a recent press conference for the 50th Grand Bell Awards. The awards consider Korean films released between July 9, 2012 and Aug. 31, 2013. "I Am A Murderer was released in Nov. 2012.
The action thriller film is about a police detective who failed to catch a serial killer 15 years ago. He resumes his investigation when a book is published, titled "I Am A Murderer," in which the author claims responsibility for the crimes. The book is published the day that the statute of limitations has expired. The book becomes a bestseller both because it is such a bold retelling of the crime but also because of the author's charm and good looks. But he may not be telling the truth. Another man arrives claiming he is the real killer.
"I Am A Murderer" received positive reviews and sold over a million tickets in its first week of release.
The awards nomination took place a couple of weeks after Park Si Hoo returned to Korea from a long stay in the U.S. His agency says he has no plans for an immediate comeback.
"He will resume his career activities at some point but not right now," said a representative from his agency. " Although he is keeping a low profile in Korea, he is receiving a lot of attention overseas."
There is no telling how much damage was done to his career by the scandal but he has not worked since it began. He was enjoying the successful reviews for his romantic comedy Cheomdamdung Alice" in February when his promising career was interrupted by assault allegations. A trainee actress accused him of sexually assaulting her after they went out with friends and returned to his apartment. He claimed their relations were consensual. She filed charges, which resulted in an indictment. Park Shi Hoo counter-sued the actress and his former manager for conspiring with her.
In May, the actress dropped her charges against Park Shi Hoo and the prosecutor withdrew the indictment. Although the actress texted a friend that she would ask the actor for money and rumors said he paid her $90,000, the actor denied any financial settlement.
Park Shi Hoo reassured his fans that he would make a comeback.
I can't promise when it will be," he wrote. "But I promise to come back as a stronger, more solid, and more mature actor."
The nomination is a good first step in reviving his interrupted career.
