Controversial actor Lee Sun Kyun and his wife Jeon Hye Jin are expected to face hefty penalties after the "Parasite" star was embroiled in drug-related issues.

After being booked on drug administration charges, the couple might face a huge financial blow due to breaches in their advertising deals.

Lee Sun Kyun, Jeon Hye Jin to Pay Penalties for Breaching Endorsement Deals?

As mentioned by a media outlet, since the advertising industry is very sensitive to the images of their ambassadors and artists representing their products, they are most likely to respond first if a controversy or issue gets out of hand.

According to pop culture critic and commentator Kim Heon Sik, "continuing the ads could lead to substantial issues." As for the celebrity couple, they are representing numerous advertisements because of their good image, but not until the news broke regarding the drug issue.

The pop culture critic and commentator also mentioned Yoo Ah In's name, who also faced the same situation and was fined billions of wons due to his involvement in the illegal use of drugs.

"Even in the case of Yoo Ah In, the penalty fines related to advertising are so substantial that they are expected to be in the range of 10 billion KRW (7.4 million)," he said.

As a result, it is most likely that Lee Sun Kyun and his wife, Jeon Hye Jin, might face such consequences since maintaining a good and spotless image is "explicitly outlined in their contracts."

It can be recalled that after authorities dropped the name of the controversial celebrity who was suspected of violating the Drugs Control Act, brands started to pull out their endorsements with Lee Sun Kyun and his wife.

Supplement brand CellMed removed his advertisement on their official website; the same goes for SK Telecom and SK Broadband, who selected the couple as their models.

Lee Sun Kyun Drug Issue Update

On October 20, Lee Sun Kyun's agency, HODU&U Entertainment, released a statement regarding the actor's involvement with drug allegations.

At the time, the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency confirmed that the actor had "provided a significant amount of money to the drug supplier while engaged in marijuana use," adding that it was estimated to be worth around 300 million won, or approximately $221,900.

As mentioned by a media outlet, the actor's label addressed the issue and promised to fully cooperate "with any investigations conducted by relevant authorities."

Following the massive controversy, Lee Sun Kyun stepped down from his upcoming thriller K-drama "No Wat Out," where he plays one of the main characters.

Amid his decision to drop out, news portals mentioned that "filming is currently underway as scheduled and will not be postponed.

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Written by Geca Wills