Controversial Actors Taguchi Junnosuke & Park Yoo-chun to Star Together in Japanese Drama

A joint casting of former KAT-TUN member Taguchi Junnosuke and singer-actor Park Yoo-chun, both embroiled in drug controversies, in a Japanese drama has sparked widespread criticism.

Tokyo MX announced on November 1st that Taguchi Junnosuke will be the lead in the three-part drama 'Greedy Woman, Man with a Past' (欲しがり女子と?あり男子), scheduled to air from December 22nd to 24th.

The broadcaster also confirmed that Park Yoo-chun, who appeared in the drama 'Momo no Uta' (モモの歌) last September, will also join the cast. This marks Park's return to Japanese television drama after a three-month hiatus, solidifying his activities in Japan.

'Greedy Woman, Man with a Past' tells the story of a man whose life is upended by sexual harassment accusations at his company, leading to his demotion as a share house manager.

Taguchi Junnosuke was arrested in May 2019 for violating marijuana laws and received a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. Park Yoo-chun was also arrested the same year for methamphetamine use, receiving a ten-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. Park had initially denied the charges and declared his retirement from the entertainment industry with a tearful press conference, but the evidence led to his expulsion from the Korean entertainment scene. He has since resumed his career in Japan, engaging in fan meetings, concerts, and drama appearances.

The casting news has drawn sharp criticism from netizens, with comments such as 'Does this casting make any sense?' and 'A meeting of drug-tainted actors from Korea and Japan.'

Netizens are expressing strong disapproval, questioning the casting choices and stating, 'How can actors who caused such scandals be given opportunities like this?' and 'It's uncomfortable to see celebrities who've been involved in drug issues actively working again.'