Interviews are, usually, moments we hold near and dear. Those glimpses into a star’s personality that make us feel closer to them. But every now and then, a celebrity says something that ends up aging so badly—and when we look back, it feels like they’ve practically lied straight to our faces. Whether it’s a bold claim that didn’t hold up or a promise they clearly never meant, some statements simply come back with a vengeance. Here are three times Korean stars put their foot in their mouth… and the receipts aged terribly.
Lee Byung Hun
In March 2013, on Episode 85 of SBS‘s Healing Camp, actor Lee Byung Hun commented on being called a “womanizer.” Defining “womanizer” as someone who develops feelings for another person while being married or in a relationship/love with someone, Lee Byung Hun swore that is not who he is.
But then, in August 2014, it was revealed that Lee Byung Hun sued Lee Ji Yeon and GLAM member Dahee for blackmailing him for ₩5.00 billion KRW (about $3.40 million USD). Soon enough, the shocking details of his case were made public, including the “dirty” conversations that Lee Byung Hun had with the women. His messages of sexual nature were exposed by Dispatch and even meme-fied by the public, tanking his reputation.
Eventually, Lee Byung Hun “won” in January 2015, with Lee Ji Yeon being sentenced to 14 months, and Dahee to 12 months. But at what cost? The court ruling is said to have stated, “Lee Byung Hun showed behavior that could reasonably make Lee Ji Yeon feel he liked her romantically, but it appears Lee Ji Yeon herself did not have much interest in Lee Byung Hun.” Based on that, the court clarified that the two could not be considered a couple—but this “clarification” was seen as the court practically acknowledging his infidelity and the trial ended up branding him as a cheater forever.
Kim Hyun Joong
Also in 2013, SS501 member-turned-actor Kim Hyun Joong sat down with his Inspiring Generation co-star Jin Se Yeon to talk about the KBS K-Drama on Entertainment Weekly. While talking about shooting the action scenes in the series, the idol mentioned, “I feel more comfortable getting hit than hitting.” Kim Hyun Joong claimed that he struggled with all the action because he was worried about hurting his co-stars…
…except he had no trouble hitting his ex-girlfriend.
In 2014, Kim Hyun Joong was fined for assaulting and injuring his girlfriend at the time, Choi. The case was first reported on in August, stating that an ex-girlfriend he had been dating since 2012 suffered a six-week injury, including damaged ribs. At the time, Kim Hyun Joong’s side admitted there had been a physical altercation but denied the accusation of habitual assault.
Then, in 2015, Kim Hyun Joong and Choi found themselves in a messy legal battle that would continue well into 2016. It was during this time that Kim Hyun Joong’s berating messages to Choi were also revealed—showing the idol was plenty capable of not only physical but also verbal assault.
Kim Hyun Joong’s unbelievable messages towards ex-girlfriend Miss Choi
Jo Jin Woong
In 2023, now-retired actor Jo Jin Woong appeared on tvN‘s You Quiz On The Block to talk about his most beloved role in the K-Drama, Signal. When show host Yoo Jae Suk asked what made him change his mind after turning down the role several times, Jo Jin Woong referred to a specific line belonging to his character, Lee Jae Han—a righteous police officer from the past.
Jo Jin Woong: At first, I turned the role down several times because… I didn’t get it. What do you mean I can talk to people in the future through a walkie talkie? Bu then it was that one line… It changed my mind. Lee Jae Han goes, ‘Things here (in the past) are so absurd and times are so bleak. But over there (in the future), things have changed. Right?’
Jo Jin Woong In Character: Is it like this in the future, too? People with money and power… Do they still get to live their lives like menaces? No, right? In 20 years time… I’m sure some things have changed.
Unfortunately, in 2025, with his past coming to light, this interview has inevitably left a sour taste. According to Dispatch‘s initial report, Jo Jin Woong debuted with his father’s name because his real name, Jo Won Joon, had some serious criminal records tied to it.
Dispatch Reveals Popular K-Drama Actor’s Dark Past As A “Robber And Rapist”
As the scandal grew, Jo Jin Woong announced his retirement from the entertainment business. Regardless, additional allegations came pouring, claiming that Jo Jin Woong was no different even after making his big screen debut. A movie director alleged via his social media post that he and another rookie actor had been assaulted by Jo Jin Woong—hinting that things have, in fact, not changed in 20 years time.
Movie Director Exposes Horrifying Details of Random Violent Assault by Jo Jin Woong
