Reports indicate mixed reactions to South Korean actor Kim Seon Ho joining a new variety show, his first fixed role in entertainment in almost five years.

Sources in the entertainment industry say that Kim will be in Bonjour Bakery, a Coupang Play series about opening a senior dessert café in a small town. The show has already cast Kim Hee Ae and Cha Seung Won, and filming is set to start in the first half of the year.

Kim was already well-known from her work on variety shows like KBS's "2 Days & 1 Night." Some fans are excited that he is going back to a regular variety role. But the response online has been very different.

Koreaboo, an entertainment site, was the first to report on the casting news. They talked about how excited people were for Kim's return and how quickly people criticized it.

Many people on the online community forum theqoo said they were disappointed and angry. People who commented on the casting announcement said things like "Why are they using him?" and "Even without reflection, he continues to receive work offers, so why wouldn't he do it?"

Other people started to pay more attention to the production team. Someone said,"The director who is using him is the problem." Another added, "Who is the director?"

Some reactions were more direct in their disapproval. Users wrote, "Why do they keep using him. I don't want to see him." and "Male celebrities have it easy." Additional comments read, "What is this? What is the reason for him to continue activities as if nothing had happened?" and "Who is he to not have even a second of reflection?"

Criticism also brought up old problems. "Wow, even without a good image, he's able to do dramas and shows." Another wrote, "This is the worst." A separate post questioned, "Wasn't he involved with tax evasion? Why is he coming out?"

Kim is going ahead with his planned activities even though there has been a lot of criticism. He is getting ready for a tour of six Asian cities, where he will meet fans in person for the first time in about two years.

People who follow the entertainment industry in South Korea say that Kim's return to TV shows that the conversation about celebrity accountability and public reception is still going on.