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The latest SBS K-drama features actors like Han Ji Min and Lee Jun Hyuk in a workplace romance.

Director Ham Joon Ho is facing backlash for his past assault. (Photo Credits: Instagram)
SBS’s most recent drama, Love Scout, has been winning hearts across audiences, recording impressive ratings since its premiere. At a time when the K-drama has already become a big hit, it has also found itself in rough water over director Ham Joon Ho’s past assault case. A post was circulated online, bringing up the matter concerning the show’s director and his drunken assault case that took place in March 2020.
While it is yet to be seen whether the controversy will affect Love Scout’s viewership, it has so far caught fans’ attention, sparking backlash towards the director.
In response to the online criticism, Love Scout’s production team has released a statement to clarify the ongoing notions about the director and the controversy over his assault case. Confirming that director Ham Joon Ho faced charges in early 2020, the statement included an apology to the viewers and fans and sought their understanding.
“It is true that PD Ham Joon Ho faced charges of assault under the influence and insult in early 2020. However, he sincerely apologized to all the victims, and after receiving their forgiveness and reaching a settlement, he faced the appropriate legal consequences. Additionally, the prior criminal record mentioned in the report from five years ago pertains to a minor offense and is unrelated to this incident. Following the incident, PD Ham Joon Ho was suspended from his position in accordance with company procedures. He spent three years in self-reflection and repentance before returning to his role as a producing director,” a part of the statement read, as per Soompi.
According to the report, the director was previously charged with aggravated assault and insult over throwing a soju bottle at passersby in an intoxicated state in Yongsan, Seoul. Even after his arrest as a flagrant offender, Ham Joon Ho shouted and directed insults at the police officers.
After remaining suspended for three years, he returned to direction with the 2023 drama Payback and now Love Scout at the latest. Released on January 3, the drama focuses on a workplace love story with the dynamics flipped. Instead of a male CEO, the show features Han Ji Min as the CEO opposite Lee Joon Hyuk, her secretary. Its fresh take on the tired cliches of CEO-employee relationships has been winning hearts, even becoming the most-watched programme of the entire week after Episode 4.