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.

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Hyun Bin is finally addressing the long-standing "ddongcha" (poop car) theory surrounding his character from My Name is Kim Sam-soon—and he's not holding back!

In an interview on the 19th with Star News, the beloved actor confessed, "I was wrong," responding to the reevaluation of his iconic role as Hyun Jin-heon from the 2005 hit drama. The "ddongcha" theory has been a subject of online debate for years, with many viewers critiquing Hyun Jin-heon’s character as overly arrogant and entitled.

Hyun Bin, who first rose to fame in My Name is Kim Sam-soon, took the time to reflect on the character that made him a household name. He shared, “I was just following the script; there were no personal opinions added to the character of Hyun Jin-heon. At that time, I knew Hyun Jin-heon was portrayed as a ‘bad boy,’ and the way it was expressed was different from today’s standards.”

With My Name is Kim Sam-soon now being re-released as part of Wavve's "New Classic" project, fans are revisiting the 2005 drama, and the character of Hyun Jin-heon is under fresh scrutiny. Director Kim Yun-cheol even admitted that the "prince on a white horse" and "bad boy" tropes that once worked in 2005 don’t quite match today's sensibilities, leading to edits in the 2024 version.

Hyun Bin humbly acknowledged his gratitude for his successful career and hit works, saying, "It’s wonderful and I am grateful to have so many hit works. I’ve been fortunate to work with amazing writers, directors, and actors. Thanks to them, I’ve received a lot of attention and love." He also shared a sense of humility, noting, “But I never know when that luck will come again."

Despite the dramatic shift in perspective on his character, Hyun Bin’s charm and dedication remain strong. Fans are eager to see him in his upcoming film Harbin (directed by Woo Min-ho), set to be released on the 24th.

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