On July 15th, media outlets reported that Yoona (SNSD) is preparing to star in a new drama titled Unnatural. Her reported co-star is actor Lee Jin Wook. However, immediately after the news broke, netizens reacted fiercely.
Amid the casting news, old photos of Yoona looking pregnant for a past role resurfaced, adding to the online commotion. Fans expressed deep outrage over Lee Jin Wook’s casting, especially pointing out that the drama is an adaptation of a Japanese television series that directly addresses the topic of sexual assault.
The scandal involving Lee Jin Wook broke out in 2016 after a woman accused him of sexual assault. According to her, the famous actor committed the act after she asked him to come to her house to install curtains at night. Lee Jin Wook admitted to having a relationship with her but claimed it was entirely consensual. While Lee Jin Wook was ultimately acquitted by the court, his image was severely tarnished. Since then, the actor has faced constant public criticism whenever he is confirmed for a new project.
On social media, netizens expressed their fury, demanding that Yoona be “rescued” from the actor. Comments flooded in: “South Korea is adapting a drama that deals with sexual assault, and they decided to cast an accused individual in the lead role?”, “Casting someone like that in a remake meant to raise awareness about sexual assault is absolutely disgusting,” and “Stop casting him; it affects everyone else. Rescue Yoona!”
This is not the first time Yoona has faced co-star controversy. In early 2025, she was scheduled to star in the drama Bon Appétit, Your Majesty alongside Park Sung Hoon. However, Park Sung Hoon faced intense criticism and demands to be dropped after posting explicit adult entertainment images. Ultimately, he withdrew from the project.
Lee Chae Min was subsequently cast in the lead role, and Bon Appétit, Your Majesty went on to become a resounding success, turning into a major phenomenon on Korean television in 2025. Premiering on tvN, the drama quickly captivated audiences by combining time travel, royal court cuisine, and a romance between a modern chef and a Joseon-era tyrant. Viewership ratings skyrocketed from an initial 4.8% to an average of 17.1% for the final episode, peaking at 18%. The drama also achieved international acclaim, ranking in the Top 10 non-English series on Netflix for several consecutive weeks.
The show’s success stemmed heavily from its lead cast. Yoona and Lee Chae Min captivated viewers with their natural acting, excellent chemistry, and striking visuals. While Yoona charmed audiences as a resilient, time-traveling beauty, Lee Chae Min impressed everyone with his handsome and alluring portrayal of the tyrant, elevating both of their careers to new heights.
