New K-Drama With Idol-Turned-Actress Hit With Backlash For Male Lead’s Past Sexual Assault Allegations

Despite making her start as a member of DIA and I.O.I, Jung Chaeyeon has cemented a career as an actress, sparking huge support for her recent projects. Yet, her upcoming project has sparked anger due to her male co-star’s controversial past.

Jung Chaeyeon | @j_chaeyeoni/Instagram

Recently, there was a post from JTBC with information about Chaeyeon’s new K-Drama Esquire and that her co-star would be Lee Jin Wook.

250527 jtbcdrama Instagram Update

JTBC Sat-Sun Drama#Esquire
Sat- 10:40PM KST
Sun- 10:30PM KST #JungChaeyeon #정채연 #에스콰이어 pic.twitter.com/pVNFYU37Bk

— jung chaeyeon feed (@j_cyfeed) May 27, 2025

Netizens were quick to hit back at the casting, asking why they had Lee Jin Wook as the co-star, and some fans even saying they would have to give the K-Drama a miss, despite being huge Chaeyeon fans.

IS IT too late to change the male lead?!?? https://t.co/tLCXwEEetv

— 𝑠𝑖𝑑 (@brownkudiii) May 27, 2025

Not this is weirdo https://t.co/am5G8rWJjh

— here for fun and chaos (@btsromin) May 28, 2025

Why this man is still cast https://t.co/hbvjkl6Bce

— Marieme ❄️🇸🇳🇵🇸 (@rimawitch) May 28, 2025

when are they gonna stop pairing beautiful women with that asshole https://t.co/JVRGKkBUOu

— maz 🦥 (@ggminsii) May 27, 2025

The way this is going to be the first drama of hers I skip :( https://t.co/lGmK7fDGU1

— Dani | OT12 (@ShuhuaTheWorId) May 28, 2025

In particular, Lee Jin Wook was accused of sexual assault.

Short Video Of Lee Jin Wook Arriving At Police Station For Questioning Goes Viral

Although Lee Jin Wook was cleared of the assault charge, netizens are still angry at the actor and even a few years ago, news of his casting sparked fury.

Netizens Outraged By K-Drama Casting News Due To Lee Jin Wook’s Past Sexual Assault Allegations