On the morning of July 21, Nam Joo Hyuk sat down for an interview at a café in Samcheong-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, to discuss the Netflix series The East Palace.
The East Palace tells the story of Gucheon (played by Nam Joo Hyuk), a man with the ability to cross between the human world and the realm of spirits, and Saenggang (played by Roh Yoon Seo), a palace maid hiding a dangerous secret. Summoned by the king (Cho Seung Woo), the two work together to uncover the curse haunting The East Palace. The series has attracted significant attention as Nam Joo Hyuk’s first project since completing his military service.
In the drama, Nam portrays Gucheon, a lonely figure who has distanced himself from society before being ordered by the king to investigate the mysterious curse. While burdened by emotional scars, Gucheon also possesses a carefree and witty personality, serving as the central force driving the story.
After completing his mandatory military service in September last year, Nam ended his contract with his former agency, Management SOOP, in December 2025 before signing with his new agency, Fable Company. In addition to The East Palace, he is also set to appear in Code, the upcoming project directed by Yoo Soo Min of Weak Hero.
Before enlisting, Nam enjoyed immense popularity through hit dramas including Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo, The Bride of Habaek, The Light in Your Eyes, Start-Up, and Twenty-Five Twenty-One. However, his career was overshadowed by school bullying allegations raised by anonymous individuals.
While Nam was serving in the military, reports emerged in February 2024 that prosecutors had sought summary indictments against the informant and others who had accused the actor of school violence.
According to SBS, the Goyang Branch of the Uijeongbu District Prosecutors’ Office summarily indicted both the journalist who reported the allegations and the informant on charges of defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act. Prosecutors stated that the allegations against Nam were determined to be false. A summary indictment is typically requested in cases where prosecutors believe a fine, rather than imprisonment, is the appropriate punishment.
Later that year, the Goyang District Court fined both an individual identified as A reportedly Nam’s former high school classmate and the informant and reporter B 7 million won each. It was later reported that A appealed the ruling and requested a formal trial.
The controversy first emerged in June 2022, when allegations claiming Nam had committed school violence began circulating online. As additional informants came forward, several of Nam’s former classmates also publicly defended him, disputing the accusations.
Addressing the issue during the interview, Nam said, “The facts are currently in the process of being clarified, so I’m quietly watching everything unfold and patiently going through the process.” He added, “It’s difficult for me to discuss the matter in detail during this interview.”
When asked whether he had ever felt wronged by the allegations, Nam responded calmly. “I never felt that way not even a little,” he said. “I’m not the type of person who wants to make a big display of saying, ‘I didn’t do it,’ or anything like that. I’ve simply allowed enough time to pass and have been patiently waiting.”
He continued, “The facts are becoming increasingly clear. As has already been reported, the court has issued its ruling, and the truth is gradually being established.”
Meanwhile, The East Palace premiered on Netflix on July 17 and is now available in more than 190 countries worldwide.
Sources: Nate
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