Controversial comebacks: Can Korean viewers ever really forgive their fallen stars?

Korean television is entering a "messy season" as scandal hit figures like Baek Jong won and Kwak Do won quietly return to screens, while projects tied to Cho Jin woong and Kim Soo hyun remain locked in limbo, according to a Yonhap News report.

Broadcasters and platforms are now stuck between protecting staff livelihoods and facing viewers who are increasingly vocal, unforgiving, and ready to boycott at the first sign of a controversial face.

Baek Jong Won's edited return in 'Black and White chef 2'

After pausing activities in May over allegations of origin label issues and farmland law violations, Baek Jong Won quietly reappeared in cooking battle variety show 'Black and White Chef 2', which dropped up to episode 3 on December 16.

Producers explained that over 100 chefs and around 300 staff were tied to the project and decided to "release and let viewers decide," but surgically reduced Baek's presence by cutting his title from "Korea's top restaurant entrepreneur" to simply "judge" and stripping out his jokey one liners.

Baek skipped the December 17 press event while online reactions split sharply, with some viewers admitting the show is "too fun to skip because of one person" while others complain they switch off the TV whenever he appears, saying "one man's controversy is hurting 100 challengers who did nothing wrong."

Kwak Do Won's 'Villains' resurfaces after drunk driving scandal

On December 18, crime action series 'Villains' starring Kwak Do Won finally premiered three years after it was shelved over his drunk driving case in September 2022. While his role as corrupt detective Jang Jung hyuk remains substantial in the drama itself, his face was removed from key posters, no press conference was held, and he posted an apology the day after the premiere, prompting accusations that the statement was less about remorse and more about greenlighting his broadcast comeback.

A broadcasting insider notes that staff only receive full wage settlements once work actually airs, meaning unreleased projects can devastate hundreds of behind the scenes workers, while the stars at the center must show genuinely convincing reflection if they want any hope of calming an increasingly unforgiving public.