Whatever a K-drama star says or does ignites heated debate online. And even if a day, month, or year goes by, fans remember it all by heart. This can turn positive or negative. Recently, the latter happened when Yoo Yeon-seok’s old remarks resurfaced, sparking calls to boycott his new drama Phantom Lawyer. The past comments have divided viewers once more, stirring strong emotions. Read on to know all about it!
Phantom Lawyer started on March 13, 2026, and airs every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 p.m. KST on SBS. The entertaining legal fantasy drama stars Yoo Yeon-seok as Shin Yi-rang and it is trending high on Netflix and is SBS’s top drama. Episodes 3 and 4 air on March 20 and 21, 2026. So, what is the problem?
Well, the issue began right after the premiere. An old 2016 interview clip for the movie The Mood of the Day went viral again on X (Formerly Twitter). In it, Yoo Yeon-seok discussed women’s clothing choices when going out. He said see-through clothes might mean a woman is interested in him, while fully covered outfits feel like she is keeping her distance. He even teased his co-star Moon Chae-won lightly about her modest style, possibly explaining why she was single then.
The same clip caused arguments in 2024 during his drama. When the Phone Rings. Many people now call the words outdated and disrespectful to women. They label him misogynistic and ask others to skip Phantom Lawyer in protest.
One user wrote, “For my kdrama lovers if you see this male lead you can always skip him coz he is a raging misogynist.”
Another user wrote, “He was exposed after wtpr right. Men are disgusting.”
Many fans defend him strongly. They say the comments are from over ten years ago and have been twisted out of context and note that the actor apologised and admitted his mistake back then. Fans feel it is unfair to judge his performance or the show based on something so old.
One user wrote, “Some people really can’t stand seeing someone succeed. Bringing up something from over 10 years ago out of context is ridiculous. Yoo Yeon-seok is an excellent actor.”
Another user wrote, “No I won’t. I am watching #PhantomLawyer and will gonna watch all of hid upcoming dramas. Love him as an actor and a person. #YooYeonSeok.”
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