On the early morning of June 5, 2025, a storm erupted in the South Korean musical theater community as actor Park Jun-hwi’s personal social media account became the center of a scandal involving alleged infidelity. Several photos were posted showing a man and woman bowing their heads, sparking immediate speculation among netizens. Among the images was a screenshot of a private conversation between Park Jun-hwi and fellow musical actor Woo Jin-young, alongside another screenshot revealing Park’s correspondence with a wedding company regarding a contract. The revelations quickly ignited rumors that Park’s fiancée had uncovered his affair and exposed it through social media.
In the wake of the controversy, both Park Jun-hwi and Woo Jin-young withdrew from their current production, Bare the Musical. The production company Showplay issued a statement on June 5, announcing that Park, who played the role of Peter, and Woo, who played Tanya, had stepped down due to personal reasons. They apologized for the sudden casting changes and the inconvenience caused to the audience. The company also confirmed that the scheduled performance on June 7, 2025, was canceled, and the roles of the two actors would be recast.
The ripple effects of the scandal did not stop there. Park Jun-hwi also withdrew from two other musicals he was involved with: Dungdungkok, where he played the role of Cho, and Nijinsky, in which he portrayed the titular character. Both productions cited personal reasons for his departure and apologized for any disruptions caused by the casting changes and schedule adjustments. Showplay, responsible for both Bare the Musical and Nijinsky, expressed deep regret over the situation, acknowledging the surprise and disappointment felt by fans and theatergoers alike.
Fans and industry insiders were taken aback by the abrupt announcements, with many piecing together the timeline and details from the photos posted on Park’s SNS. The images initially posted and then deleted included a man and woman in their underwear bowing their heads, widely believed to be Park and Woo. Additional screenshots showed the two engaged in seemingly affectionate conversations, further fueling speculation about the nature of their relationship. The most damning evidence appeared to be the photo of Park’s exchange with a wedding planner, revealing that he was reportedly preparing to marry another woman, complicating the scandal and intensifying public scrutiny.
Park Jun-hwi, born in 1993, has been a prominent figure in the South Korean musical scene since his debut in 2016 with the musical Secretly, Greatly. Over nearly a decade, he built a solid reputation and gained a devoted fanbase, earning the nickname "the idol of Daehangno," a district known for its vibrant theatrical culture. Woo Jin-young, born in 2000, represents the new wave of rising talent in musical theater, quickly making a name for himself with his performances and potential.
The controversy has sparked conversations about the pressures and private lives of performers in the entertainment industry. While the production companies have maintained that the withdrawals were due to personal reasons, the timing and circumstances strongly suggest the scandal played a significant role. The swift removal of the actors from multiple productions underscores the sensitivity of such issues in the public eye and the potential impact on ongoing projects.
Showplay’s statement emphasized their commitment to maintaining the quality of their productions despite the unexpected changes. They reassured audiences that the roles vacated by Park and Woo would be filled by other capable actors, aiming to minimize disruption. However, the cancellation of the June 7 performance of Bare the Musical was a clear indication of the immediate challenges faced by the company in managing the fallout.
The incident also highlights the growing influence of social media in shaping public perception and the careers of entertainers. The rapid spread of the photos and conversations from Park’s SNS illustrates how quickly private matters can become public controversies, especially when they involve high-profile figures. The fact that the photos were deleted shortly after posting suggests an attempt to control the narrative, but the damage was already done.
As of now, there have been no official statements from Park Jun-hwi or Woo Jin-young addressing the allegations directly. Their silence leaves room for speculation and leaves fans wondering about the future of their careers and personal lives. Meanwhile, the productions affected by their departures are working to stabilize their casts and continue performances with minimal interruption.
This scandal serves as a cautionary tale about the intersection of personal conduct and professional responsibilities in the entertainment world. For Park Jun-hwi, a seasoned actor with a strong following, and Woo Jin-young, an emerging star, the consequences have been immediate and significant. The musical theater community and fans alike will be watching closely to see how they navigate this challenging chapter.
