Lee Jang Woo Faces Backlash Over Controversial Casting Remarks

Lee Jang Woo, a popular South Korean actor, is under scrutiny following his recent comments regarding his casting in the K-Drama "My Only One." During an appearance on a YouTube series, Lee shared insights into his journey to secure the lead role, which has sparked significant backlash among netizens.

In the interview, Lee recounted that after being discharged from military service at the age of 33, he struggled to find acting opportunities. He disclosed, “I heard that writer Kim Sa Kyung would be working on ‘My Only One.’ I drank a lot at night and sent a long text message saying, ‘Please save me.’ I expressed that although no one was looking to cast me, I would work hard.” Following this outreach, he received a response to wait, which led to discussions about his casting. Eventually, he landed the role of Wang Dae Ryuk.

However, Lee's comments have drawn criticism, with many netizens questioning whether he leveraged personal connections to secure the role, potentially sidelining other actors who could have been considered. One user on the platform Instiz remarked, “After hearing the story about how he stole the role after casting for the drama was complete, I no longer like him.” Others echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that his method of obtaining the role was unprofessional.

In addition to the casting controversy, Lee's physical appearance has also been a topic of discussion. He noted that both the writer and director recommended he lose weight, but he chose to maintain his build, believing it suited the character of a company head better than a traditionally slender appearance. “I felt that the character’s role as the head of a company would look better with a bit more build rather than being just skinny and pretty,” Lee explained.

Critics argue that for a lead role, maintaining a professional appearance is crucial, with some stating, “Isn’t being seen a part of his job? I mean, unless his role calls for gaining weight…” This has fueled debates about the expectations of actors regarding their physicality and professionalism.

The backlash against Lee Jang Woo illustrates the intense scrutiny public figures face, particularly in the highly competitive entertainment industry. The reactions underscore a broader conversation about ethics in casting and the responsibilities of actors to uphold professional standards. As discussions continue, it remains to be seen how this controversy will impact Lee’s career and public perception in the long term.