After being subjected to a scandal late last year, “Hometown Cha Cha Cha” star Kim Seon Ho has reportedly been declining all offers to appear in dramas, films, and endorsements.

The “Start-Up” breakout star, who bagged multiple leading roles and endorsement deals last year in addition to his regular stint in Korean variety show “2 Days 1 Night,” was widely criticized by South Korean netizens after he was accused by an ex-girlfriend of forcing her to get an abortion.

In a matter of hours, brands associated with the actor removed his images from their campaigns while his role in romantic comedy “2 ‘o’ Clock Date” opposite Yoona was recast. He was also dropped from the cast of “2 Days 1 Night” after production succumbed to pressure from the public. The film “Sad Tropics,” which confirmed Kim Seon Ho as its male lead last year chose instead to postpone production instead of
replacing the actor outright.

As more details from the controversy came to light, it was revealed that Kim Seon Ho’s accuser was not completely honest in her account of their failed relationship. The actor’s friends and people who knew of the relationship also stepped up to clear Kim Seon Ho’s name.

Brands quickly returned Kim Seon Ho to their roster of endorsers after the end of the scandal and became enthusiastic about extending their collaboration with him.

However, according to entertainment pundits, even though Kim Seon Ho seemed to have bounced back from his scandal, the actor may not be ready to fully return to stardom, leading to his decision to decline all offers for 2022 apart from “Sad Tropics” and related promotion of the movie.

No formal statement has been issued by his agency SALT Entertainment yet.