2 months post-controversy: Ryu Jun Yeol makes a grand return at Baeksang, how about Hyeri and Han So Hee?

On March 15th, a netizen caught Han So Hee and Ryu Jun Yeol dating in Hawaii. Hyeri, Ryu Jun Yeol’s ex-girlfriend of 7 years, then posted an Instagram story with the caption “Interesting.” Han So Hee responded with a meme of a dog holding a knife, saying “It’s interesting to me too,” implicitly denying dating Ryu Jun Yeol and igniting a controversy. However, she quickly took down the story and confirmed her relationship with Ryu Jun Yeol.

The drama continued with more and more controversial remarks from Han So Hee. Eventually, Han So Hee and Ryu Jun Yeol also broke up. After a turbulent period due to the controversy, the three stars underwent changes in their careers and lives.

Ryu Jun Yeol

Ryu Jun Yeol was criticized for being ambiguous with both his ex and new girlfriend. He was also labeled as cowardly for maintaining silence, causing both Hyeri and Han So Hee to be attacked. Moreover, Ryu Jun Yeol’s alleged real estate speculation, hypocrisy, and abuse of power controversies were also revisited. 

However, Ryu Jun Yeol’s silent strategy helped him suffer less damage. Despite being reconsidered for the position of Ambassador for Peace Environmental Organization, Ryu Jun Yeol received praise from the Korean Cultural Heritage Administration. The reason is that he voluntarily voiced historical figure Lim Hyung Soo (1514-1547) for a digital exhibition on the Chilbosan screen at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Ryu Jun Yeol participated in voicing the historical character in both English and Korean. He was also seen leisurely playing golf, and he will have a new series, “The 8 Show,” released in May.

Especially at the recent Baeksang Awards, Ryu Jun Yeol attended as the presenter for Best Actor. Taking on this important role at the prestigious awards ceremony demonstrates that Ryu Jun Yeol’s career has not been affected by the Hyeri – Han So Hee controversy.

Hyeri

Hyeri received sympathy from the public in the controversy. However, her future remains uncertain, causing many fans to worry. On May 8th, Korean media reported that Hyeri would leave Creative Group ING after 5 years. She decided not to renew her contract and will become a freelance artist.

Creative Group ING was acquired by C-JeS Entertainment with a 100% stake for 1.3 billion won. This will lead to the integration of artist management between the two sides. Thus, Hyeri and her ex-boyfriend Ryu Jun Yeol were both under C-JeS Entertainment. Many speculate that this is the reason Hyeri had to apologize for posting the story “Interesting,” the source of the controversy. She could not express any further opinions as it would be seen as attacking colleagues within the same company.

After leaving Creative Group ING, Hyeri has not joined a new agency. It’s difficult for artists to succeed without a management agency. Many netizens have wished Hyeri continued success in her activities in the future.

Han So Hee

Han So Hee is the one who suffered the most damage in the controversy. Han So Hee’s reputation took a hit due to her behavior. While Hyeri only spoke up once and Ryu Jun Yeol relied on his company, Han So Hee constantly wrote and then deleted lengthy posts. Even after breaking up with Ryu Jun Yeol, Han So Hee wrote a long post criticizing her ex and posted mocking memes.

Not only did she damage her image, but Han So Hee also lost job opportunities. She had contracts with two brands terminated and had to withdraw from the drama “Deception.” Moreover, the suspicions of her fabricating studying in France resurfaced. 

Han So Hee asserted that she did indeed pass the entrance exam for a university in France, while blaming Na PD for maliciously editing her words. However, Han So Hee’s explanation failed to convince the public as she could not provide an offer letter from the university.

On her Instagram, Han So Hee now only posts selfies and photos for brands.

Source: K14