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]
