On December 26, Park Yoo Chun held an event to sign the release of the photography book at a major bookstore in Shibuya, Tokyo. The event, organized by Japanese music retailer HMV, was part of its ongoing activities in Japan. Photos taken by fans at the scene were later shared on social media, quickly spreading through online communities.
In the images, Park Yoochun looked noticeably different from his past image during his active years in Korea. He was seen making eye contact with fans, engaging in conversations and interacting warmly with attendees who came specifically to see him. The sight of Park Yoochun continuing her public activities surprised many, given her long absence from the Korean entertainment scene.
Following a widely criticized press conference in which he denied drug use – later revealed to be false – Park Yoo Chun’s career in South Korea effectively came to an end. Since then, he has continued to work primarily in Japan, supported by a loyal fan base. Over the past year, it has released mini albums and hosted dinner shows, steadily maintaining its presence in the Japanese market. This latest fan signing event further proved that the support of his fans abroad remains intact.
In stark contrast, Hwang Hana, Park Yoo Chun’s ex-girlfriend and co-defendant in previous drug cases, was recently taken into custody. Despite having already served a prison sentence for drug-related crimes, Hwang is once again facing charges of methamphetamine use and distribution.
According to police, Hwang Hana is accused of injecting methamphetamine into two acquaintances in July 2023 at a location in Gangnam, Seoul. After the investigation began, she reportedly fled to Thailand in December of the same year. With her passport invalidated, she is believed to have entered Cambodia illegally, where she remained in hiding.
Authorities said that after Hwang Hana expressed her intention to voluntarily appear for questioning, police traveled to Cambodia and arrested her on Dec. 24 at Phnom Penh International Airport as she attempted to board a Korean airline flight. She was formally detained on December 26 after being returned to South Korea.
The contrasting trajectories of Park Yoo chun and Hwang Hana – one quietly continuing his activities abroad, the other returning to custody – have reignited public debate over accountability, redemption and the long-term consequences of high-profile scandals.
Sources: Daum
