A video showing a "rising rookie actor" discarding a cigarette butt on the street has stirred up discussions in online communities.

The video, originally posted on YouTube, captures rookie actor Choi Hyun Wook tossing his cigarette butt on the ground in Apgujeong Rodeo after smoking with some friends.

In South Korea, it's against the law to throw cigarette butts on the street, especially in no-smoking zones.

Choi Hyun Wook has gained recognition in recent years for his roles in popular projects like tvN's 'Twenty Five, Twenty One,' Wavve's 'Weak Hero Class 1,' and Netflix's 'D.P 2.' He's also well-known among K-Pop fans for his role in NewJeans's "Ditto" MV.

Following the backlash, Choi Hyun Wook uploaded a handwritten apology:

Hello. This is Choi Hyun Wook.

Firstly, I’m really sorry to have disappointed the fans. It would not be enough for me to act responsibly in every moment, but I even disappointed many due to my careless actions.

I apologize once again to the drama’s director and writer, as well as the staff and other actors, as well as the many who are working with us.

I will humbly accept the scolding and the warnings, looking back upon myself, and work hard to show you a more mature side of myself.

Many netizens expressed their frustration with Choi Hyun Wook's behavior in the video:

"He didn't even extinguish the cigarette!?"

"I was enjoying 'Watermelon,' but now I'm disappointed."

"Doesn't his agency care about his actions outside of work?"

"I thought he was great in 'Weak Hero,' but this is disappointing."

"I can't tolerate people who litter with cigarette butts."

"Isn't that the same company as Seo Ye Ji and Kim Sae Ron?"

Meanwhile, Choi Hyun Wook's latest tvN drama, 'Twinkling Watermelon,' airs on Mondays and Tuesdays at 8:50 PM KST.

Source[1]

Former DIA member Somyi is taking legal action against the YouTube channel Garo Sero Research Institute (Gaseyeon) for spreading false rumors about her alleged relationship with PocketDol Studio’s CEO, Kim Kwang Soo.

On March 28, Somyi’s agency, Modenberry Korea, released an official statement, saying, “We will take legal action against ‘Gaseyeon’ for spreading false claims that Somyi and CEO Kim Kwang Soo were in a relationship.”

The agency strongly condemned the allegations, adding, “‘Gaseyeon’ broadcasted false claims that Somyi and Kim Kwang Soo were dating, intentionally spreading misinformation. This is a clear case of defamation, and we will take strong legal measures to protect our artist.”

They also made it clear that they won’t stand for any more baseless rumors, stating, “We will not tolerate reckless speculation about our artist. We are already gathering evidence through legal representatives and will respond with a zero-tolerance policy.”

The controversy started when Gaseyeon uploaded a video titled “DIA Members Fighting Over One Man”, claiming that Somyi, Kim Kwang Soo, and another DIA member, referred to as A, were involved in a love triangle.

The claims quickly gained attention, especially due to the 39-year age gap between Kim Kwang Soo (born in 1961) and Somyi (born in 2000).

Meanwhile, Modenberry Korea recently announced on March 27th that they had signed an exclusive contract with Somyi, marking a new chapter in her career.

Somyi debuted as a member of DIA in 2017 and was active for about two years before leaving the group.

After parting ways with PocketDol Studio, she transitioned into a BJ (broadcast jockey) and has continued her career in that field.

Source: [1]