Despite serious scandals, this actor is still not blacklisted from the industry
Korea’s entertainment industry has witnessed its fair share of scandals and controversies over the years. However, actor Lee Hyun Woo (born in 1966), stands out as a remarkable exception.
Despite being embroiled in multiple serious legal issues, he managed to not only salvage his career but also excel in it, earning him the nickname “The Phoenix” of the Korean entertainment world.
Lee Hyun Woo was born in Korea, but he later moved to the United States with his family. In 1991, he made his debut as a singer, later transitioning to acting. What sets him apart are the numerous scandals he faced throughout his career.
In 1993, he was arrested for drug use and later explained that he was unaware that this was illegal in Korea. Despite being temporarily banned from appearing on TV, he made a swift comeback in just 10 months.
There were allegations of bribery related to him winning a prestigious TV Singer award in 1992, with his manager being investigated for secret meetings with producers and reporters.
He faced legal trouble for drunk driving at the end of 2006 and continued to drive under the influence of alcohol in February 2007. However, he resumed his activities just a month later.
Lee Hyun Woo’s involvement in endorsing a loan company raised eyebrows, as it appeared to promote high-interest lending practices.
Perhaps the most severe controversy came in 2008 when he was suspected of participating in stock manipulation. He announced the purchase of shares in a struggling company, causing stock prices to soar. However, he reversed course just ten days later, leading to a steep decline in stock prices and significant financial losses for investors.
What makes Lee Hyun Woo’s story remarkable is that most artists would see their careers plummet with just one of these scandals. However, he not only survived but thrived, even serving as a judge on “Mr. Trot Season 2” recently.
Many attribute his resilience to his privileged background, suggesting that his family’s wealth played a pivotal role in helping him overcome these scandals.
