Popular Filmmaker Gets Blasted For Comparing Criminal Actor To Robert Downey Jr.
K-Movie maker Ryoo Seung Wan, well known for his hit Veteran franchise, is drawing heavy criticism online after comments comparing disgraced actor Yoo Ah In to Hollywood star Robert Downey Jr. resurfaced and began circulating on Korean online communities.
The controversy reignited after a passage from the filmmaker’s published writing began spreading on forums such as theqoo. In the excerpt, the director reflects on Yoo Ah In’s acting ability and career trajectory. He writes that the actor’s portrayal of Jo Tae Oh in Veteran 1 was not simply a vile character, but a “strangely alluring and compelling villain.” He adds that the role became a turning point in his filmmaking career and that many actors thereafter began showing greater interest in playing villain roles.
The filmmaker goes on to mention Yoo Ah In’s performance in The Throne, stating that he genuinely envied the acting Yoo Ah In displayed in the film. However, the passage that sparked the most backlash involves the director referencing Robert Downey Jr., who overcame drug addiction before returning to global fame as Iron Man.
The director writes that although Downey Jr.’s career nearly ended due to drug issues before his eventual comeback, Yoo Ah In may also deeply reflect on his own mistakes, endure a long period of hardship, and one day stand before audiences again with greater maturity. He concludes by expressing his belief that the actor’s talent “is not finished yet.”
The Jo Tae Oh that Yoo Ah In created was not simply a vile character. He was a strangely captivating villain—an antagonist with real charm. That work became a turning point, and afterward actors began showing more interest in playing villain roles in my films. Watching the performance he showed in The Throne, I sincerely envied him as a fellow colleague.
Robert Downey Jr., too, once nearly saw his career end because of drug problems, but didn’t he return with Iron Man? Yoo Ah In is probably reflecting deeply on his own mistakes more than anyone else. I hope he endures this long period well and stands before audiences again with a more composed presence. I believe his talent is not finished yet.
— Ryoo Seung Wan
After the passage resurfaced online, many netizens criticized the comparison and questioned why a filmmaker would publicly express sympathy for an actor currently embroiled in serious criminal controversy. While some users argued that the director was merely commenting on artistic talent and the possibility of redemption, others said the comparison to Robert Downey Jr. was inappropriate and tone-deaf given the circumstances.
- Come to think of it, Ryoo Seung Wan alos cast Oh Dal Su in Veteran too LOL.
- Why do people keep bringing up Robert Downey Jr. whenever they talk about drug users LOL. That was in the U.S., where he grew up seeing his dad and his dad’s friends doing drugs since he was five and was even introduced to drugs by his father. Is the Korean entertainment industry like that too? LOL. Honestly I don’t really care whether Yoo Ah In comes back or not since plenty of drug users have returned before—but comparing him to RDJ is just ridiculous. RDJ’s story is about someone with that background hitting rock bottom, quitting drugs, and rebuilding his life. What kind of comparison is this?
- Go discover new talent instead of missing some drug addict.
- This weird solidarity among men in K-Entertainment is already disgusting, but since The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call and The King’s Warden did so well, it’s hard to call out posts like this. Now we have fans are running around defending all the druggies who made their comebacks, so I guess Yoo Ah In must feel pretty wronged… Like, ‘Why do all those guys get away with it but not me?’ Haha.
- What the… This is so pathetic and gross.
- Sir, Robert Downey Jr. was literally five.
- This is exactly why I haven’t watched Korean movies in a long time.
- But the backlash against Yoo Ah In is all online. The general public doesn’t care that much.
- Is it only the male solidarity that’s the problem? There are also tons of fangirls who obsess over middle-aged male criminals and keep consuming their work, so how would the market ever improve? Why would anyone bother fixing it?
- Keep it up and at this rate, his next film will probably flop too.
- Why is he acting like this?
- Do we really need him back, though…? Just cast the many promising young actors instead.
The debate continues to spread across online communities as discussions surrounding Yoo Ah In’s future in the Korean entertainment industry remain deeply divided. That said, Ryoo Seung Wan is not the only movie director who is rooting for Yoo Ah In’s return. Read more about it here:
Yoo Ah In’s Unexpected Update On Project Offers Sparks Fury Online
