Seo Hyun-jin Caught in Unauthorized Use of Image for Presidential Candidate’s Campaign, Agency Issues Firm Response
Actress Seo Hyun-jin has become unintentionally embroiled in political controversy after her image was used without permission in a fake campaign poster supporting Han Dong-hoon, a presidential candidate for the People Power Party.
On April 28, a representative from Seo Hyun-jin’s agency, Management SOOP, firmly addressed the situation, stating, “We were neither contacted nor informed about the use of her image. Therefore, we did not give permission or provide any materials.”
The controversy began when a digitally manipulated poster featuring Seo Hyun-jin and Han Dong-hoon circulated within a group chatroom of Han’s supporters. The poster displayed the phrase, “I’m happy because I have a friend with me today,” leading to immediate speculation that the popular actress was publicly endorsing Han’s presidential campaign.
However, following the agency’s swift response, it has been clarified that Seo Hyun-jin had no involvement in the poster’s creation and the image was altered without her knowledge or consent. Meanwhile, Han Dong-hoon continues his presidential campaign efforts ahead of the 21st presidential election scheduled for June 3. Recently, he also made a notable appearance on Coupang Play’s SNL Korea, meeting comedian Jung Sung-ho, known for his parodies of Han.
The unauthorized use of Seo Hyun-jin’s image highlights the sensitive intersection of entertainment and politics, as well as the growing concerns over the misuse of celebrity images in public discourse.
