“Love Scout” Director Apologizes for Past Assault Conviction, “Regret It Everyday”
Regretful Apology
Recently, director Ham Jun-ho of the viral K-drama “Love Scout,” had an interview where he apologized for his past controversy. In particular, the director said, “I am only grateful and sorry. I have caused trouble to the drama that the actors and staff worked hard to create because of the big mistake I made in the past. I have regretted it every day for the past five years and felt ashamed”.
He also reflected on the success of “Love Scout”, adding, “From the moment I was assigned to direct ‘Love Scout’ until the end, all I thought about was doing my best in what I could do right away. And seeing that this drama received so much love, I personally promised myself that I would never forget my mistakes and would become a better person every day. I believe that is my duty to the viewers who loved the drama and to all the actors and staff who were with me. Once again, I thank and apologize to all the people who loved ‘Love Scout’.”
Assault Scandal that Mars a Great K-drama
Previously, Ham Jun-ho was embroiled in controversy due to past allegations of assault and defamation. On January 13, the drama’s production team confirmed the claims, stating, “It is true that PD Ham Jun-ho was charged with assault and defamation while under the influence in early 2020,” and issued an apology.
The production team further explained, “PD Ham Jun-ho sincerely apologized to all the victims and subsequently received their forgiveness and reached settlements. He also underwent legal proceedings. Following the incident, Ham Jun-ho was suspended from the company and spent three years reflecting on his actions before returning to his role as a director.”
This controversy gained traction after a 2020 report from MBC Newsdesk regarding an SBS drama producer, identified as “A,” was revisited online. The report revealed that “A” was none other than Ham Jun-ho of “Love Scout.”
According to the 2020 report, Ham Jun-ho was arrested at the scene in Hannam-dong for causing a disturbance, which included indiscriminately pouring soju on passersby and assaulting them. The police sought an arrest warrant for Ham Jun-ho, citing his criminal record, but the prosecution denied the request, and he was released.
However, the production team clarified, “The criminal record mentioned in the report pertains to a misdemeanor and is unrelated to the incident in question.”
Despite the controversy, “Love Scout,” which premiered in March, has been garnering significant attention for the chemistry and visuals of its leads, Han Ji-min and Lee Joon-hyuk. Starting with a 5.2% viewership rating (according to Nielsen Korea), the drama entered double-digit ratings within just two weeks. The broadcast on January 11, which depicted the budding romance between the lead characters, reached a new high of 11.3%, marking four consecutive episodes of rising ratings and solidifying its status as a hit.
However, the unexpected controversy surrounding the PD has dampened the celebratory mood. Many viewers expressed their disappointment, commenting, “I was enjoying the show, but now I feel disheartened,” “The actors aren’t to blame,” and “This incident will come to mind every time I watch the drama.”
