A video showing a "rising rookie actor" discarding a cigarette butt on the street has stirred up discussions in online communities.

The video, originally posted on YouTube, captures rookie actor Choi Hyun Wook tossing his cigarette butt on the ground in Apgujeong Rodeo after smoking with some friends.

In South Korea, it's against the law to throw cigarette butts on the street, especially in no-smoking zones.

Choi Hyun Wook has gained recognition in recent years for his roles in popular projects like tvN's 'Twenty Five, Twenty One,' Wavve's 'Weak Hero Class 1,' and Netflix's 'D.P 2.' He's also well-known among K-Pop fans for his role in NewJeans's "Ditto" MV.

Following the backlash, Choi Hyun Wook uploaded a handwritten apology:

Hello. This is Choi Hyun Wook.

Firstly, I’m really sorry to have disappointed the fans. It would not be enough for me to act responsibly in every moment, but I even disappointed many due to my careless actions.

I apologize once again to the drama’s director and writer, as well as the staff and other actors, as well as the many who are working with us.

I will humbly accept the scolding and the warnings, looking back upon myself, and work hard to show you a more mature side of myself.

Many netizens expressed their frustration with Choi Hyun Wook's behavior in the video:

"He didn't even extinguish the cigarette!?"

"I was enjoying 'Watermelon,' but now I'm disappointed."

"Doesn't his agency care about his actions outside of work?"

"I thought he was great in 'Weak Hero,' but this is disappointing."

"I can't tolerate people who litter with cigarette butts."

"Isn't that the same company as Seo Ye Ji and Kim Sae Ron?"

Meanwhile, Choi Hyun Wook's latest tvN drama, 'Twinkling Watermelon,' airs on Mondays and Tuesdays at 8:50 PM KST.

Source[1]

Lee Jun Young recently opened up about the emotional toll of playing a villain—and how one powerful scene made him break down in tears behind the scenes.

On the May 1st episode of KBS 2TV’s variety show Problem Child in House, Lee Jun Young appeared alongside co-star Jung Eun Ji to promote their new KBS drama Pump Up the Healthy Love.

During the show, Lee Jun Young was asked about the most unforgettable villain he’s played. He chose his role as Han Su Gang in the film Brave Citizen.

He explained, “It was really tough to film. I had to act like I was leading school violence, and there was even a scene where I bullied a grandmother.”

The hosts were surprised, pointing out how kind and gentle he seems in real life. Lee Jun Young shared how he transforms for such roles.

“I try to act as bad as I can, but sometimes the director says, ‘You still look too nice.’ Then I focus even harder and adjust right away.”

He also revealed that filming one particular scene hit him hard emotionally. “My real grandmother was sick at the time,” he said.

“In one scene, there’s a grandma selling gimbap, and I ad-libbed by stubbing a cigarette out on the gimbap. I was really into character, but after filming, I just broke down. So many thoughts came to me and I started crying.”

Fans praised his dedication to acting but also felt moved by how deeply the role affected him. Lee Jun Young’s honesty gave a raw look at how even fictional roles can hit close to home.

Source: [1]