▲ These still image, provided by broadcaster tvN on April 30, 2024, shows actor Park Sung-hoon playing the role of Yoon Eun-sung in hit rom-com series "Queen of Tears." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Jan. 12 (Yonhap) -- Actor Park Sung-hoon, who faced backlash after posting the cover of adult content on his social media, will no longer appear in the upcoming drama The Tyrant’s Chef.

Studio Dragon stated on the 12th, “After discussions between the production team and Park Sung-hoon’s representatives, it was decided that it would be difficult to proceed together with this project.”

The Tyrant’s Chef is a fantasy romance drama about a French restaurant chef who travels back in time to meet a gourmet tyrant, sparking intriguing events. The series, directed by Jang Tae-yoo of My Love From the Star, has been highly anticipated for its release on tvN this year. Park Sung-hoon was set to star alongside Lim Yoon-a and Kang Han-na.

However, public criticism mounted after it was revealed that Park had posted, then deleted, a parody cover of Squid Game in the form of a Japanese adult film on his social media on December 30. Calls for his removal quickly spread online.

In a prior interview, Park Sung-hoon explained, “I neither watch nor condone such content. The image was intended to be reported to the Squid Game team, but it was accidentally uploaded.” Despite his clarification, public sentiment remained unfavorable.

Studio Dragon addressed the situation, saying, “Both the actor and his agency have issued several apologies and consulted closely with us regarding recent events. After thorough discussions, we have decided to part ways and continue on separate paths.”

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