‘Penthouse 3’ Actor Park Eun Seok Speaks Out Amid Racism Allegation
Park Eun Seok addressed the issue surrounding his character in the top rating K-drama "Penthouse 3."
The 37-year-old actor faced massive online criticism after appearing in the SBS drama as Logan Lee's twin brother, Alex.
In the suspense thriller drama, he donned long dreadlocks and face tattoos that sparked criticism from netizens.
Fans Blasted "Penthouse 3: War in LIfe" Over Park Eun Seok's Character
Over the broadcast network's official Instagram, fans blasted the drama and said the character signals racism and cultural appropriation.
One user even asked SBS to take down the post and wrote, "this isn't funny as well, please take this down, SBS," while the other pointed out that the character was offensive and shows disrespect to the African-American community.
"Stop mocking us!!" the second fan commented.
The same goes with Twitter users who slammed the drama for posting them on their official Instagram account.
SBS POSTING THESE STILL CUTS FROM TODAYS EPISODE #Penthouse3Ep2 ???
OH HELL NAWWW#Penthouse3 pic.twitter.com/HvBjmziKxz
READ MORE: 'Penthouse 3' Episode 1 Surpasses Season 1 and 2's Highest Viewership Rating + Uhm Ki Joon was Behind Park Eun Seok's Death
Park Eun Seok Apologized after Being Criticized Over Cultural Appropriation
Amid the controversy, Park Eun Seok immediately shared his apology on behalf of the drama.
In his official statement posted on TikTok, the "Penthouse 3" actor cited that his character has no intention to "mock, disrespect or discourage the African American community."
"I'd like to apologize to the people who took offense by the character's appearance. It was more admiration of the culture than mockery, but now I'm aware that the approach was more CA," he mentioned, adding that his new role was a "wrong attempt for character development."
In addition, he reiterated that he "should have known better" given that he is a minority himself.
The "Doctor Prisoner" actor concluded his statement by thanking fans and viewers for "giving" him the "opportunity to grow in awareness," adding that his character had no intention to "portray mockery."
"I hope you have the sincerity in your hearts to give the benefit of the doubt, that Alex's appearance was rather a character approach who admired the culture and wanted to "be" like, not intentionally portraying mockery."
Following his apology, other netizens pointed out that Park Eun Seok should not be the one to apologize for the demeaning character but SBS and the production team as well.
In the current season of the top-rating drama, Park Eun Seok surprised fans with his new character.
To recall, he previously played Logan Lee in "Penthouse 2," who just returned to South Korea to propose to Shim Su Ryeon ( Lee Ji Ah) and to expose Joo Dan Tae's (Uhm Ki Joon) wrongdoings.
Unfortunately, the finale featured his devastating death after Dan Tae escaped from the prison and disguised himself as an old man.
Logan Lee's cause of death was due to a bomb explosion which Joo Dan Tae placed near his car.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: 'Penthouse 3' Prediction: Fans Think Park Eun Seok will Survive the Assasination as SBS Drops New Teaser
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Written by Geca Wills
