lucky cola ‘Squid Game 2’ star Park Sung-hoon exits drama project following controversy

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Park Sung-hoon. Image: Courtesy of Netflix Korea

Park Sung-hoon, who was originally cast in the upcoming K-drama “The Tyrant’s Chef,” stepped out of the project following his controversial social media post involving an explicit parody of “Squid Game.”

The South Korean actor is reeling from the backlash after he uploaded an explicit parody photo of the hit thriller series on his Instagram Story in December 2024, which is linked to an adult video site. The post was eventually deleted from his account.

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Park eventually apologized for his post last January 8, per reports from Korea JoongAng Daily, where he said that he “deeply regrets” the incident and that he didn’t watch the video.

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The incident also led to Park’s departure from “The Tyrant’s Chef” after “much discussion” between his label and the team involved, which was confirmed by its production company Studio Dragon via South Korean media outlet Sports Kyunghyang on Saturday, January 11.

“After much discussion between the production team and Park Sung-hoon’s representatives, the decision was made that it would be difficult for him to join this project,” Studio Dragon said, per a Soompi translation.

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The actor and his label BH Entertainment also apologized for his departure from the project, as mentioned in Studio Dragon’s statement.

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“The actor and his agency expressed their apologies several times regarding the recent events, and we discussed various conditions in-depth. As a result of our discussions, the production team and Park Sung-hoon decided to continue on separate paths,” it said.

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Rising actor Lee Chae-min will reportedly replace Park in the lead role, although Studio Dragon has yet to confirm or deny the reports.

“The Tyrant’s Chef,” which also stars actress-idol Im Yoona, will be directed by Jang Tae-yoo, who’s best known for directing the hit K-drama “My Love from the Star.”

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Park rose in popularity after starring as a transgender woman who wanted to get a gender transition surgery in “Squid Game” season two. He is also known for his villain roles in “Queen of Tears” and “The Glory.”

The actor’s other dramas include “Joseon Exorcist,” “Six Flying Dragons,” and “Moon Embracing the Sun.”

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