The anticipated K-drama Dear Hyeri recently became the subject of significant backlash as netizens voiced their outrage regarding the casting of actor Lee Jin Wook.

The series is expected to star Shin Hye Sun and Lee Jin Wook. It depicts a woman suffering from multiple personality disorder due to her sibling's disappearance and a difficult breakup.

However, amid excitement for the series' plot, fans and online posters' reactions to Lee Jin Wook's role as the romantic lead of the drama overwhelmed the internet.

Back in 2016, Lee was accused of sexual abuse, and even though he was later acquitted in court after submitting a counter-lawsuit against the complainant, the casting of the male lead invoked concern among many online users, who revived the discussion surrounding the scandal and started a boycott campaign.

"It's not too late at all. Recast him," wrote one fan, reflecting the common sentiment of many that it was unfair that the casting choice was allowed to divert attention from Shin Hye Sun's performance in the series.

Some question whether the production team should have revisited their casting choice given the scandal's resurgence.

"I hate that Hye Sun's incredible acting isn't being appreciated just a little bit because of that [his] past," another fan wrote.

While the series will start within hours, critics' response does not subside as social media users consistently demand to see another actor in the male lead role or refuse to watch the series.

In the meantime, the project's distributor, the network ENA, remains silent on the matter. Although Lee Jin Wook was acquitted of the charges and legally expressed no guilt, his participation in the project remains controversial, tarnishing the series that was supposed to be one of 2024's outstanding dramas.

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This article was written by:

Rovelyn Barba