The world of Korean entertainment is often associated with pristine images and polished personas maintained by celebrities. However, the truth behind the scenes is far more complex, and sometimes, a glimpse into a celebrity’s candid moments can stir up controversy. Recently, Choi Hyun Wook, known for his role in “Twenty-Five Twenty-One,” found himself at the center of a fresh controversy when a video of him holding hands with a mystery woman while smoking went viral on social media platforms.
Choi Hyun Wook rose to prominence with his impressive performance as high-schooler Moon Ji Ung in the Netflix drama “Twenty-Five Twenty-One.” The series, starring Kim Tae Ri and Nam Jo Hyun, tells the story of a passionate fencer who chases her dream of bringing glory to her country while navigating friendships, unrequited love, and a longing for her mother’s affection.
The controversy surrounding Choi Hyun Wook emerged when an online post titled “Clip Of Rookie Actor” started gaining attention. The viral video clip shows the actor casually smoking while leaning against a car in the Gangnam province. In the video, he holds hands with a woman whose identity remains undisclosed. Both seem deeply engrossed in conversation as they stand side by side. Choi Hyun Wook is dressed in a sleeveless white jersey paired with white shorts and a checkered shirt tied around his waist. The woman is seen in a tank top and black trousers. Later in the video, they are joined by another female friend, but Choi continues to hold hands with the first woman, sparking speculations about a potential romantic connection. However, neither the actor nor his agency has released any official statement regarding the incident.
The video quickly gained attention, with netizens reacting to the controversy. Some defended Choi Hyun Wook, emphasizing that his personal life should remain private and not be subjected to public discourse. Fans also pointed out that it is normal for young actors to date, and such videos should be handled with sensitivity to protect their privacy.
One netizen expressed their perspective, saying, “So you’re telling me people are getting triggered just because Choi Hyun Wook was smoking and holding a girl’s hand? God, he’s a human, let him live normally. He’s an actor because he likes to act and earn, not to please your delusional selves outside the drama world!”
Another user added humorously, “HD 4K video of Choi Hyun Wook holding hands with his girl while smoking, hahahahahahaha. I hope his fans are okay.”
Aside from “Twenty-Five Twenty-One,” Choi Hyun Wook has made cameo appearances in shows like “Taxi Driver,” “Racket Boys,” “Weak Hero Class 1,” and more. His talent and potential as a rising star were recognized when he received the Best Rookie Actor award at the 2021 SBS Awards. Currently, he is part of the cast of “Twinkling Watermelon.”
As the debate surrounding Choi Hyun Wook’s privacy continues, it raises essential questions about the boundaries between a celebrity’s public and private life, and the responsibility of the media and fans in respecting those boundaries.
