Son Ye Jin Faces Backlash Over Behind-the-Scenes Joke During Her Acting Comeback
After years away from the big screen, beloved South Korean actress Son Ye Jin was expected to make a triumphant return with the 2025 film No Other Choice. Instead, a seemingly harmless joke shared during the production briefing has ignited a major controversy, casting a shadow over her long-awaited comeback.
A Career Marked by Success and Anticipation
Over two decades, Son Ye Jin built a reputation as one of Korea’s most respected actresses, with standout roles in dramas and films that earned her both critical acclaim and public admiration. Her popularity soared globally in 2020 after the success of Crash Landing on You, in which she starred opposite future husband Hyun Bin.
Since then, her acting work has been limited—her last drama being Thirty-Nine in 2022—due in part to her marriage and the birth of her son the same year. Fans eagerly anticipated her return in No Other Choice, which marked her first big-screen role since 2018.
The Joke That Sparked a Firestorm
At the August 19th press conference, Son Ye Jin candidly admitted struggling with certain dance scenes during filming, even revealing that the director was disappointed despite her three months of training. While she tried to keep the mood light with jokes, fellow actor Lee Byung Hun added his own anecdote that quickly escalated into controversy.
He claimed, in a joking tone, that while he often answered questions from child actress Choi So Yul on set, Son Ye Jin avoided doing so, once telling him to “handle it for her.” Though meant humorously, netizens interpreted his comments as criticism of Son Ye Jin’s behavior, suggesting she was dismissive toward the young actress.
Netizens React: Divided Opinions Online
Online discussions quickly exploded. Some accused Son Ye Jin of being cold and unkind, while others defended her, noting that Lee Byung Hun’s words were clearly made in jest. The debate intensified as old clips resurfaced, including her 2014 Infinite Challenge prank performance, where her fake tears led some to question her sincerity.
Others even brought back a decades-old comment from actress Go Ara, who once said, “The directors say Son Ye Jin is fake.” Although Ara later apologized and clarified, the remark resurfaced to fuel skepticism about Ye Jin’s personality.
Choi So Yul’s Mother Defends Son Ye Jin
On August 24th, So Yul’s mother addressed the issue directly on social media, clarifying that Lee Byung Hun’s story was nothing more than a lighthearted anecdote. She praised Son Ye Jin as “always very kind” and even revealed that Ye Jin once gifted her daughter a rare toy that became her favorite Christmas present. Despite this defense, the controversy has not fully subsided.
Instagram Drama Adds to Speculation
Just days later, on August 27th, fans noticed Son Ye Jin had deleted her secondary Instagram account, which had provided rare glimpses into her private life. The timing fueled speculation that the deletion was tied to the backlash.
However, Son Ye Jin later reassured fans on her main account, explaining that she did not delete the profile intentionally. Her agency added that the disappearance may have been due to hacking or AI-related technical issues, promising to restore it as soon as possible.
A Reputation at Stake
Despite her decades-long career as the “Nation’s First Love” and one of Korea’s most admired actresses, Son Ye Jin now faces one of the toughest moments of her career. Some fans believe the controversy has been blown out of proportion and that critics are unfairly targeting her, while others argue the incident reveals a less flattering side of her personality.
Whether this storm will leave a lasting impact on her career or fade as another short-lived scandal remains to be seen. For now, Son Ye Jin’s long-awaited return is being overshadowed by a controversy no one saw coming.
