After facing intense backlash over his controversial social media post, actor Park Sung Hoon is reportedly eyeing a return to television. According to multiple industry sources, he is being considered for the lead role in the upcoming romance K-Drama Efficient Dating for Singles, a series that actress Han Ji Min is also reviewing. Speculation surrounding Park’s casting has prompted his agency to address the rumors, stating that another actor is currently being prioritized for the role. “There is another actor being considered ahead of Park Sung Hoon for Efficient Dating for Singles. We are currently waiting for an official decision,” the agency clarified, as reported by various entertainment news outlets.
The drama, an adaptation of a webtoon, revolves around modern single men and women navigating relationships with both practicality and romance. Han Ji Min, who shares the same agency as Park Sung Hoon, is reportedly reviewing the role with a positive outlook. Park Sung Hoon’s career has been under scrutiny since a controversial Instagram post related to Squid Game 2 landed him in hot water. After the series aired, he shared an image referencing Squid Game through a parody from a Japanese adult film, which immediately sparked public outrage.
The backlash was so severe that he later issued a tearful apology in a media interview, explaining his perspective on the situation. However, the damage was already done—his career took a major hit, leading to his removal from the upcoming K-Drama The Tyrant’s Chef, which was set to star Girls’ Generation’s Yoona. With this unexpected turn of events, all eyes are now on whether Park will secure the role in Efficient Dating for Singles and successfully stage his comeback.
As fans and industry insiders closely watch his next move, the question remains: will this new project mark a fresh start for Park Sung Hoon, or will the controversy continue to overshadow his career?
In December 2024, Park Sung Hoon stirred a wave of backlash after he accidentally posted a porn parody of Squid Game season 2 on his Instagram account. The post featured a photo of an adult video cover parodying the series, which included naked Japanese adult film actresses. Although he deleted the post shortly after posting it, the damage had already been done, with screenshots circulating widely on social media. This incident occurred just after the tragic Jeju Air flight crash in South Korea, which further fueled public outrage.
Following the backlash, the actor received a torrent of hate comments online. His agency, BH Entertainment, issued a statement addressing the incident, explaining that Park had received many direct messages on social media and accidentally uploaded the image while checking them. “The actor himself is also surprised and apologizes for making such a mistake in these times. He will be careful not to let something like this happen again,” the agency stated.
Park's professional life took a significant hit as a result of this controversy. He was initially set to star in The Tyrant’s Chef opposite YoonA, but had to step down from the project. Reports indicate that his exit was a mutual decision between the production team and his agency after extensive discussions. He was subsequently replaced by Lee Chae-Min, known for his role in Hierarchy.
Now, as Park Sung Hoon seeks to make a comeback, he is reportedly in talks to star in Efficient Dating for Singles. This upcoming K-drama is expected to explore the complexities of modern dating, focusing on a hotelier seeking love while navigating the challenges of choosing between charming suitors. The series aims to highlight the pursuit of efficiency in relationships, where love alone may not suffice, yet relationships based solely on conditions feel unfulfilling.
Park Sung Hoon's potential casting has garnered attention, especially since both he and Han Ji Min are managed by the same agency, BH Entertainment. The agency's representative confirmed on March 26 that they are awaiting a decision regarding Park's role in the series. “To our knowledge, another actor is being considered as a higher priority for Efficient Dating for Singles before Park Sung Hoon. We are currently awaiting a decision,” the spokesperson stated.
As the entertainment community watches closely, Park’s return to the screen could signal a new chapter in his career. Having previously gained acclaim for his performances in roles such as those in The Glory (2022) and Queen of Tears (2024), fans are hopeful that he can move past the controversy and reclaim his position in the industry.
While the future remains uncertain, the upcoming K-drama Efficient Dating for Singles might just provide the opportunity Park Sung Hoon needs to stage a successful comeback. As the drama's premise suggests, the journey of modern dating is fraught with challenges, and Park's own journey through the tumultuous waters of celebrity life mirrors the show's themes of love and practicality.
In conclusion, as the drama progresses and casting decisions are finalized, Park Sung Hoon's next steps will be crucial in determining whether he can effectively navigate the complexities of his career and emerge successfully from the shadows of controversy.
