Yoochun attempts another comeback, but public sentiment remains cold.
Park Yoochun held a press conference in Japan on September 20th KST, announcing plans for a new album and performances. Appearing neatly dressed, Park lightheartedly asked local reporters for “positive articles,” expressing excitement rather than nervousness. He commented, “It’s my first time standing alone in such a setting,” seemingly forgetting the controversy he faced last year when he held an expensive dinner show in Japan under the same title, “Rebirth.” Despite having already made comeback attempts in Japan and Thailand, Park now claims that this will be his first official solo album.
Park’s new album is set to release on December 18th, followed by the “Park Yoochun 2024 Christmas Tour” from December 21st, with stops in Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka. Meanwhile, his former JYJ groupmates Kim Junsu and Kim Jaejoong are busy celebrating their 20th anniversary with albums, variety show appearances, and a joint concert at the end of the year.
However, Park Yoochun’s situation is quite different as he has essentially been ousted from the Korean entertainment industry. His past scandals involving drug use, sexual misconduct, lying to the public, and 4 billion won in unpaid taxes have made him a controversial figure in Korea. Despite his previous promise to retire, Park continues to seek opportunities to revive his career. He made a film comeback in 2022 with “Devoted to Evil,” but it failed to secure a theatrical release and was only available on IPTV and VOD platforms. His efforts in Thailand also failed to yield significant results.
It appears that Park has now turned his focus back to Japan. During the press conference, Park thanked his Japanese fans, saying, “Japanese fans are kind, and they’ve continued to wait and support me, which I am grateful for,” signaling why he has chosen Japan for his re-debut. There are even rumors that his younger brother, Park Yoo Hwan, who appeared with him in photos posted online, might also be considering a comeback.
While Park still has some supporters, public sentiment remains cold even in Japan. Japanese netizens have not shied away from discussing his past drug use and unpaid taxes. Instead of welcoming his return, the majority of online comments are critical. Local media outlets like TV Asahi and Oricon have also pointed out his past controversies, including tax evasion. Comments on these articles include statements such as, “Can you really just move to another country after evading taxes in Korea?” and “Is Japan just a way for him to make money?”
One industry insider noted, “It won’t be easy for Park Yoochun to make a comeback, even in Japan. His career is already impossible in Korea. No matter the severity of the incidents, it’s hard to overturn the disappointment caused by his lies to the public.” The insider added, “He’s aware that a domestic comeback is out of the question, so he’s trying to hold on to his remaining fans overseas. While he still has some support, it’s clear that the scale is much smaller.”
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