Lee Hyun Woo is facing backlash for his history of controversies that seem to have little impact on his career longevity. The actor and singer has survived multiple scandals, earning himself the nickname “Grand Hyun Woo” for supposedly committing various offenses without suffering the consequences that would typically end careers in the K-pop industry.
The controversy began with Lee’s first major incident: his arrest for marijuana use on January 14, 1993. He was released on bail February 1 and flew back to the U.S. Lee claimed he didn’t know cannabis was illegal in South Korea, as it was treated like an “open secret” abroad. He faced a temporary ban from KBS and SBS, but made a comeback in November 1993.
Soon after, his manager was embroiled in a bribery scandal linked to Lee’s win at the Broadcaster’s Singer Award. In addition, there were accusations of military service evasion when he returned to Korea after reaching the maximum enlistment age, even though he held naturalized U.S. citizenship.
The drama didn’t stop there. Lee was caught driving under the influence in 2006 and 2007. The 2007 incident involved illegal U-turns and expired driver’s licenses. Despite the severity of DUIs in South Korea, he returned to TV just a month later.
In 2008, Lee was implicated in a stock manipulation scandal involving the struggling broadcasting company GBS which he briefly acquired. When the acquisition was canceled ten days later, many investors lost money, raising red flags about possible insider trading.
Despite these incidents that would sink many stars, Lee continues to receive air time and brand deals, leading some to view him as the “Phoenix” of the entertainment scene.
It seems no amount of controversy can derail Lee Hyun Woo’s career, allowing him to persist in the public eye with a steady presence on screen even amid widespread criticism. He remains a figure of intrigue, showcasing how complex and forgiving the industry can be.
