The Top Kdrama Issues Of 2013: Part 4

Earlier this year, actor Cha Seung Won, known for his role in the drama "Greatest Love," felt the need to apologize publicly for the behavior of his 24-year-old son, Cha No Ah. 

Cha No Ah, a former professional gamer, was in trouble twice this year, first for allegedly assaulting a 19-year-old girl, and second for smoking marijuana. He denied the rape charge saying he was dating the girl and said that the sex was consensual. She said she was locked in the house and threatened. The family refused an out of court settlement and insisted that Cha No Ah kneel before the girl and beg for forgiveness.

Cha No Ah was also arrested for marijuana possession along with television personality Bianca Mobley of the show "Chit Chat With Beautiful Ladies" and Daniel of the K-pop boy band DMTN. When the case was heard in Suwon District Court, Cha No Ah's legal team asked for leniency.

"The defendant has confessed to the charge, but he did not personally purchase marijuana or have a regular habit of smoking it," said his lawyer. "Currently, his health is not good and he is deeply reflecting upon his misconduct."

"I am very sorry to my family and everyone around me," Cha No Ah said during the closing arguments

The judge sentenced him to 10 months in prison but it was eventually reduced to a six-month suspended sentence. If he stays out of trouble for the two years, the sentence will be cancelled.

Cha No Ah's offence was considered less serious than Daniel's, who was convicted of selling marijuana four times and of using the drug even though he denied it. Daniel was sentenced to a year in jail and fined $6,000. His sentence would have been harsher but he repented and agreed to enlist for military service. Leniency was also applied because he grew up in the U.S., where marijuana use is not punished so severely.

Cha Seung Won felt the need to apologize for his son's actions on the website me2day.

"First, I would like to apologize to everyone for being a father who has failed to raise his children properly," said Cha Seung Won. "I bear a huge responsibility. I can't hide my sadness and, but I would like to express my deepest apologies."

Netizens differed over whether Cha Seung Won needed to apologize.

"I think Cha No Ah should be the one apologizing, not his father," said one netizen. "Even now, he's probably worried for him despite him running around ruining his image like this."

But another said that the actor should take blame for his son's behavior. If he wasn't a celebrity, no one would be taking his side, feel sorry for him or consider absolving him of blame.