Actor Jo Byeong Kyu made his first official public appearance in months as he returns to the big screen with the film 'Boy,' following news that he lost a multi-billion-KRW damages lawsuit related to past school violence allegations.
The press screening for 'Boy' (directed by Lee Sang Deok) was held on January 6 at CGV Yongsan I’Park Mall in Seoul’s Yongsan District. A press conference followed the screening, attended by director Lee Sang Deok, Jo Byeong Kyu, and Jinni.
Ahead of the formal press conference, the attendees observed a moment of silence to honor the late actor Ahn Sung Ki, who passed away on January 5, stating that “his profound legacy will be remembered for a long time.”
'Boy,' set for release on January 14, is described as a near-future dystopian neon-noir film in which a single love story shakes an entire world. Jo Byeong Kyu stars as Rohan, a young crime boss operating in the lawless district known as “Texas Hot Springs,” where violence has become routine. Jinni, formerly of girl group NMIXX, takes on the role of Jane, marking her first acting project since transitioning from music to film.
This project marks Jo Byeong Kyu’s return to the silver screen after nearly two years. It is also his first official activity since reports emerged in November that he had lost a civil lawsuit seeking approximately 4 billion KRW (about 2.7 million USD) in damages related to school violence allegations.
Jo Byeong Kyu and his former agency HB Entertainment had filed a damages lawsuit against an individual identified as A, who claimed on social media in February 2021 that the actor had subjected them to school violence during his time studying in New Zealand. Jo Byeong Kyu’s side argued that the allegations were false and had caused severe financial losses, including the termination of advertising contracts and cancellations of drama, film, and variety show appearances. They sought damages totaling roughly 4 billion KRW (about 2.7 million USD), including 200 million KRW (about 140,000 USD) in consolation money.
However, the court ruled that the evidence submitted was insufficient to conclusively determine that the claims were false, dismissing all of Jo Byeong Kyu’s requests and ordering him to bear the full cost of the lawsuit. His legal team immediately filed an appeal following the ruling.
Asked about his return at the press conference, Jo Byeong Kyu said, “I’ve always liked director Lee Sang Deok’s way of working and his results as a fan. After reading the script for ‘Boy,’ I felt that even though I’m young myself, this was a project that could draw younger audiences back into theaters, so I really enjoyed working on it.”
He continued, “The staff was younger compared to other film sets, which made exchanging ideas even more fun. The entire process remains a fond memory for me, and the sense of satisfaction it left has left a strong impression. At the same time, I feel nervous and thoughtful about how our film will communicate with audiences.”
Director Lee Sang Deok addressed the decision to cast Jo Byeong Kyu despite the surrounding controversy, saying, “When I handed him the script, his understanding of the character was strong, and he approached the production environment with sincerity. I didn’t think twice and felt a strong desire to work together.”
During the event, Jo Byeong Kyu also spoke candidly about co-star Yoo In Soo, who is currently serving in the Air Force. Jokingly, he remarked that Yoo seemed to be “having it easy” in the military, adding that there were reportedly no older soldiers in his unit and that Yoo would soon be promoted to sergeant. He quipped that while he hopes to learn more about acting, “military life is something I don’t want to learn from him,” drawing laughter from those present.
'Boy' is scheduled to hit theaters nationwide on January 14.
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