The Journey to Redemption and Revival: Joo Ji-hoon’s Comeback After the Drug Scandal
Joo Ji-hoon is experiencing a major career revival, often referred to as his “Second Golden Era,” following the success of “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call,” which dominated Netflix’s global rankings. Despite receiving widespread praise for his acting, some still recall his 2009 drug scandal, questioning whether he deserves public support.
Debuting in “Goong (2006),” Joo Ji-hoon quickly rose to fame but faced a major setback when he admitted to drug use, resulting in a suspended prison sentence and industry bans. Unlike other Korean celebrities whose careers ended due to drug-related controversies, he gradually regained public trust through outstanding performances in “Along with the Gods,” “Kingdom,” “Hyena,” and “Jirisan.”
As Joo Ji-hoon has promoted three consecutive projects in the past three months, many believe he is experiencing a major career revival. However, with his rising popularity, some have revisited his past, bringing up the drug scandal that occurred 16 years ago. While there are many praises for Joo Ji-hoon’s acting, some comments still question whether he should be forgiven, “Why should we support a drug addict?”; “How can an actor who used drugs continue acting?”
Joo Ji-hoon’s Drug Scandal
Joo Ji-hoon admitted to using ecstasy and ketamine at a party but denied any involvement in drug trafficking. On June 23, 2009, he was sentenced to six months in prison (suspended for one year), 120 hours of community service, and a fine of 360,000 KRW. Following the scandal, he was banned from KBS, removed from all ongoing projects, and had his scheduled fan meeting in Japan canceled.
Beyond the drug controversy, Joo Ji-hoon faced further backlash for starring in Gain’s provocative music video “Fxxk U” and later dating the singer. After their breakup in 2017, Gain was caught using propofol and revealed on social media that one of Joo Ji-hoon’s friends had once tried to persuade her to take drugs. Since then, Joo Ji-hoon has kept his personal life private and has not publicly dated another celebrity.
While many Korean stars, such as Yoochun, Don Spike, and T.O.P, faced career-ending consequences due to drug scandals, Joo Ji-hoon is a rare case of redemption. Two years after the controversy, he made a successful comeback with “Antique” and even won a Baeksang Arts Award. After completing his military service in 2011, he signed with KeyEast Entertainment and continued his acting career.
Redemption and Revival
Many believe that Joo Ji-hoon distinguishes himself from other celebrities entangled in drug scandals through his remarkable acting skills and unwavering dedication to his craft. Since his breakthrough role in “Goong,” he has continuously taken on compelling projects that have captivated audiences and achieved significant commercial success.
His performances in “Along with the Gods,” “Hyena,” “The Mask,” “Five Fingers,” and “Jirisan” showcased his versatility, but it was “Kingdom” that truly solidified his status as a top-tier actor, redefining the zombie genre on streaming platforms. Most recently, his role in “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call” further cemented his reputation, as the series quickly climbed to the top of global rankings, demonstrating his keen eye for selecting impactful projects.
Beyond his impressive filmography, Joo Ji-hoon’s resilience and determination in rebuilding his career have played a crucial role in regaining public trust. Rather than retreating from the industry, he faced criticism head-on, using each opportunity to prove his sincerity and commitment to his profession. While many questioned whether he deserved a second chance, he focused on refining his skills, delivering strong performances, and steadily earning back the respect of audiences.
His journey from scandal to redemption is a testament to his perseverance, and today, he is not only celebrated by fans but also recognized by critics and industry experts as a formidable talent in the entertainment world.