Musical actor Kim Joon Young has withdrawn from all ongoing productions following a personal scandal. His agency, HJ Culture, issued an apology on November 3 via Instagram, confirming his departure and expressing regret for the situation. The agency explained that because Kim was involved in several productions, it needed time to consult with each team before finalizing the decision, apologizing for both the delay and its inadequate initial response. The controversy began on November 2 after an online post accused a musical actor of personal misconduct, sharing alleged photos from Kim’s supposed girlfriend’s social media that appeared linked to a nightlife venue. The post quickly went viral, sparking speculation and debate online.
Initially, HJ Culture denied any illegal behavior and warned against spreading unverified rumors, citing potential legal consequences. However, the agency’s vague statement—which did not mention Kim’s name—fueled public backlash, prompting some fans to cancel tickets. As criticism mounted, HJ Culture released a second statement directly confirming Kim’s complete withdrawal from all performances and promising greater transparency moving forward.
Kim’s exit has disrupted several productions, including Rachmaninoff and Amadeus, as well as upcoming projects Eternity and John Doe. Public opinion remains split—some say the agency acted too quickly without confirming all details, while others insist public figures must uphold higher ethical standards. The controversy has also caused mass ticket cancellations, with theatergoers expressing frustration over unclear refund procedures and slow communication. Many have criticized the agency for mishandling the situation and failing to promptly offer solutions to affected audiences.
