Rising star Choi Hyun-wook under fire after first pitch goes wrong; past controversies resurface

Rising star Choi Hyun-wook is facing a storm of criticism after a ceremonial first pitch went dangerously wrong, bringing his past controversies back into the spotlight. According to an OSEN report, the 23-year-old actor, a former elite high school baseball player, threw a powerful fastball during the pre-game ceremony for the KBO semi-playoffs on October 9.

However, the pitch was aimed at a child batter and flew alarmingly close to the child's head, creating a dangerous situation that shocked onlookers.

Apology and Public Backlash

Choi quickly issued an apology through a fan communication platform, explaining that he was "extremely nervous" and that the ball slipped. He expressed his sincere regret and stated his intention to apologise directly to the child and their parents. Despite his apology, the incident has sparked intense public backlash, with many criticizing his lack of judgment, especially given his athletic background.

The controversy has since snowballed, leading to the re-examination of his past behavior and raising questions about his character.

A Pattern of Controversy

This is not the first time Choi has been embroiled in controversy. In October 2023, he was criticised for smoking and improperly discarding a cigarette butt on the street in Apgujeong, for which he was fined. Just a month later, he faced another scandal over an alleged "self-exposure" incident, where his nude reflection was reportedly visible in a photo he posted on Instagram.

The accumulation of these negative incidents is now threatening to impact his career. Choi is slated to appear with actress Kim Tae-ri in the upcoming tvN variety show 'After-School Theatre Club,' a program where actors teach theatre to elementary school students. Following the pitching incident, public opinion has soured, with many questioning the appropriateness of his casting in a show involving children.

This string of controversies has cast a dark cloud over the once-promising career of a young star who had been gaining attention for his roles in popular dramas like 'Twenty-Five Twenty-One' and 'Weak Hero Class 1'.