Ha Jung Woo opens up about his hiatus and returning to the small screen through the hit Netflix series "Narco-Saints."

The 44-year-old actor is among the lead stars of the blockbuster K-drama along with "Squid Game" star Park Hae Soo and award-winning actor Hwang Jung Min.

In an interview by YTN, Ha Jung Woo shares thoughts about his three-year hiatus after being involved in a controversy.

It can be recalled the actor faced a scandal in 2019 after Seoul Central District Court ordered him to pay 30 million won or around US$25,600 for the illegal use of propofol and for violating the Narcotics Control Act.

The decision comes after Ha Jung Woo admitted the charges against him for fabricating medical records.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: 'Narco-Saints' Threatens Safety of Koreans in Suriname - Here's Why

At the time, the court said that his "responsibility is heavier" since he is a public figure.

Three years after the controversy that almost tainted his career, the "Ashfall" star is back with a bang as he stars in Netflix's "Narco Saints."

Ha Jung Woo Apologizes for Not Addressing Controversy During the 'Narco-Saints' Press Conference

In the interview, he began with an apology for not addressing the controversy during the "Narco-Saints" press conference.

As explained by the actor, he should have started with an apology during the press briefing but mentioned that he "couldn't say an apology at that time" because he thought it would be right to talk in person.

"I'm sorry to everyone who has supported and encouraged me during this time," the actor said.

Moreover, the actor shared the things he did during his hiatus and one of which is self-reflection.

Ha Jung Woo on His Hiatus and Returning With Hit K-drama

During his three-year hiatus, the actor revealed that he took it as an opportunity to reflect and realize his actions.

Moreover, the actor explained that the brief break served him a look back on how he is living and not avoid the issue.

"It wasn't that I hid or avoided it. I had no choice but to watch. I looked back on how I was living," he said.

"Narco-Saints" is one of Ha Jung Woo's comeback projects after the 2020 movie "The Closet" with Kim Nam Gil.

As for his last K-drama appearance, Ha Jung Woo played a special cameo in the business comedy series "Entourage" where he played the role of himself.

Interestingly, viewers and media outlets lauded the casting of "Narco-Saints", especially Ha Jung Woo's performance as Kang In Gu.

'Narco-Saints' Cast and Why It's Worth Watching

Based on the true story, Kang In Gu, played by Ha Jung Woo is a South Korean businessman who moved to Suriname to trade skate fish. However, he gets entangled with a drug lord and pastor Jeon Yo Hwan, and NIS agent Choi Chang Ho, played by Hwang Jung Min and Park Hae Soo.

Just two days after its global release, "Narco-Saints" enters the eighth spot in Netflix's Top 10 TV Shows and advances to the top 3 in less than a week since its debut.

READ MORE: 'Narco-Saints' Among the Top 3 Most-Watched TV Series on Netflix + Will it Be the Next 'Squid Game'?

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Written by Geca Wills