The glamorous world of K-dramas sometimes conceals conflicts that may exist behind the scenes. The actors' behavior off-camera can sometimes provoke public outcry. Here are 12 K-drama stars who have been criticized by viewers, media, or other professionals for being unprofessional through their behavior. This article presents a list, with popular stars who have made headlines with their questionable conduct.
1. Ma Dong-seok (Don Lee)
Ma Dong-seok made headlines as one of the rudest actors in town for consistently not showing up at press interviews and promotional activities of his films, as he disregarded professional commitments in front of reporters.
2. Kim Tae-ri
Kim Tae-ri was disliked for her condescending and noncaring attitude during interviews, which was viewed as immature and unprofessional, in addition to being accused of swiping the watch of a film director during an awards ceremony.
3. Nam Joo-hyuk
Nam Joo-hyuk from the drama "Start-Up" made a comment to co-star Suzy Bae after a kissing scene in which he asked whether she was eating a particular food for lunch because her food smelled like that particular food. This was seen as an offending comment.
4. Seo Ye-ji
Seo Ye-ji was accused of abusing staff and creating a hostile work environment on the set of "It's Okay to Not Be Okay" through verbal abuse; she also allegedly influenced her then-boyfriend's unprofessional conduct on another set.
5. Song Joong Ki
Song Joong Ki appeared on lists of the rudest celebs when he sarcastically snapped at a reporter during a press interview because the reporter asked him a question regarding his personal affairs with a query as if he were answering a novel.
6. Park Seo Joon
At the press conference for "Concrete Utopia," he was called "unbearable" for his hostile atmosphere and bad attitude, as reported by the press, causing negative feedback for his lack of professionalism in his interactions with the media.
7. Lee Dong Hwi
Lee Dong Hwi was criticized for his poor manners in a magazine interview where he defiantly refused to answer questions regarding his girlfriend.
8. Han Ye Seul
Han Ye Seul suddenly left for America and did not come to the shoot for Spy Myung-Wol due to poor working conditions, but her behavior was lambasted, causing a three-year moratorium for her acting career.
9. HAN JI SUN
Physically attacking a taxi driver led to Han Ji-Sun resigning from her role in ''The Secret Life of My Secretary''; this act is very unprofessional and has resulted in more than a year of no TV appearances.
10. Kim Jung Hyun
Kim Jung-hyun acted aggressively with Seo-hyun on the [Time] set, rejecting physical contact shots and even going so far as to aggressively wash his hands afterward.
11. Park Sung Hoon
Park Sung Hoon was heavily criticized for posting an inappropriate parody image of Squid Game on his Instagram, which he deleted immediately, suggesting he posted pornographic images; in the process, he apologized and pulled out of a diverging drama.
12. Ryu Jun Yeol
Ryu Jun Yeol was also slammed for his silence when he was involved in a dating scandal with Han So Hee. This was interpreted as pretended ignorance by netizens, who thought it was not professional to act that way when dealing with public relations.
