Ha Jung-woo sparks backlash with ‘aphrodisiac’ comment to fan

Actor Ha Jung-woo / Korea Times file

Actor Ha Jung-woo has come under fire for leaving an inappropriate comment in response to a fan’s request on social media. The comment, which has since been deleted, sparked criticism for its suggestive tone.

Ha was engaging with fans on Sunday on his social media account when one follower asked him to come up with a nickname. Seemingly referencing the fan’s surname, Choi, the actor replied, “Choieumje,” a word phonetically similar to the Korean term for “aphrodisiac.” The fan responded by saying, “I love you.”

However, other users were quick to express discomfort. One person reacted with a surprised “Huh?”, while others began calling out the actor for his poor judgment.

“‘Choieumje’ refers to substances that stimulate sexual desire. How could anyone respond to that with ‘I love you’?” one commenter wrote. Others said the actor had clearly crossed a line, criticizing the remark as inappropriate and careless.

The original comment is no longer visible, having been deleted by Ha or his team amid growing backlash.

Meanwhile, Ha is set to return to television next year in the tvN drama “How to Become a Building Owner in Korea,” marking his first drama appearance in 19 years.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.