Park Yuchun, Accused of Drug Use, Returns to Drama with Japanese Actor Convicted of Marijuana Charges

Park Yuchun and Junnosuke Taguchi to Star Together
"A Greedy Woman and a Man with a Story"

Singer and actor Park Yuchun, who was effectively ousted from the Korean entertainment industry due to drug use allegations, is making his return as an actor through a Japanese drama. He will appear alongside Japanese actor Junnosuke Taguchi, who was convicted on marijuana charges.

Junnosuke Taguchi (left) and Park Yuchun. Instagram capture

According to multiple Japanese media outlets on November 4, Park Yuchun and Junnosuke Taguchi will both appear in the romantic comedy drama "A Greedy Woman and a Man with a Story," which will air next month on Tokyo (TOKYO) MX.

"A Greedy Woman and a Man with a Story" is a three-part drama that tells the story of a man whose life is turned upside down after being accused of sexual harassment at work and is demoted to the position of a share house manager.

The lead role of Daichi Kanda is played by Japanese actor Junnosuke Taguchi. Taguchi was arrested in 2019 for violating the Cannabis Control Act and received a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. Once a member of the popular Japanese group KAT-TUN, he left the entertainment industry following the drug scandal and later faced criticism after being spotted at a host bar. This project marks his first major return in about 11 years.

Park Yuchun previously appeared in the drama "Momonouta," which aired on the same channel in September. In 2019, Park was arrested along with his former girlfriend Hwang Hana on charges of methamphetamine use and was sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years. At the time, he held a press conference and declared, "If the allegations are true, I will retire from the entertainment industry." However, after being found guilty, he reversed his decision and resumed his career, mainly in Japan and overseas. He has continued to be active in Japan.

Coincidentally, as both actors share a history of drug scandals and retirement announcements, their reunion in a single project has sparked divided reactions in Japan, with the public questioning whether the return of these controversial actors will resonate with audiences.