Addressing the Dating Controversy
Ryu Jun Yeol made headlines with his return to acting in the Netflix original drama, The 8 Show. This comeback drew significant attention due to his previous dating controversy with Han So Hee and accusations of greenwashing. The Reply 1988 star briefly addressed these issues during a press conference on May 10, 2024, and provided a more detailed response in an interview on May 23, 2024.
In early 2024, news broke about Ryu Jun Yeol dating Han So Hee, which caused a stir due to Han So Hee’s controversial response to an Instagram story by Girl’s Day’s Hyeri, Ryu Jun Yeol’s ex-girlfriend. The relationship was labeled as “transit love,” implying infidelity. Han So Hee denied these rumors, while Ryu Jun Yeol chose to stay silent. He explained, “When speculation and rumors spread, I think it’s better to stay quiet and accept the criticism rather than try to explain everything.”
Ryu Jun Yeol acknowledged feeling betrayed by the unexpected public reaction. He concluded, “It’s best to remain silent rather than fuel new speculations. I never intended to discuss it further. Addressing all the criticism here is the right thing to do.”
Greenwashing Scandal and Personal Growth
Aside from his romantic controversies, Ryu Jun Yeol faced accusations of greenwashing. As an ambassador for Greenpeace, he was criticized for being a golf enthusiast, a sport seen as environmentally harmful. Ryu Jun Yeol admitted, “I was too greedy in trying to build an image. I need to be more honest and careful in the future.”
He shared his motivation for working with Greenpeace, saying, “I wanted to share the love I received and help preserve nature. But I realize now that being genuine is more important than maintaining an image.”
Ryu Jun Yeol’s candid reflections show his regret and his desire to learn from these experiences. Let’s hope he continues to grow and avoids similar mistakes in the future.
Ryu Jun Yeol’s openness about his controversies is refreshing. It’s not easy for public figures to admit mistakes and face criticism head-on. His approach to remaining silent during the dating controversy and his honesty about the greenwashing scandal show a mature understanding of his position. As fans, we should appreciate his willingness to learn and grow from these experiences. It’s a reminder that even celebrities are human and capable of change.
