"I Am a Successful Rapist" Controversial Remark by Korean-American Actor... Steven Yeun Apologizes on His Behalf

Controversy Arises as Past Remarks Resurface... Drama Boycott Too
Steven Yeun: "Please Acknowledge His Efforts"

Recently, when past remarks by Korean-American graphic artist and actor David Choi, stating "I am a successful rapist," sparked controversy, fellow Korean-American actor Steven Yeun, who co-starred with him in "Beef," issued an apology on his behalf.

David Choi (left), Steven Yeun [Image source provided by Netflix]

According to the American entertainment media Variety on the 19th (local time), David Choi said in a podcast conducted in 2014, "I had sexual intercourse in front of a massage therapist, and even after the therapist refused, I forced sexual intercourse."

He described the situation in detail and said, "I felt the thrill that I might go to jail." When another cast member pointed out, "Are you saying you committed rape?" David Choi responded with a laugh, "I am a successful rapist."

Netflix Original Series 'The Angry People' David Choi [Image source: Provided by Netflix]

These remarks became controversial later, and in 2017, David Choi explained, "It is not true. The story about the massage therapist was fictional," adding, "If I am at fault, it is that I told the story poorly."

However, the podcast episode containing his remarks resurfaced online as the Netflix original series "Beef," in which he appeared, gained popularity. Some even called for a boycott of the drama.

In response, on the 21st, "Beef" producer Lee Sung-jin and actors Steven Yeun and Ali Wong issued a statement through Variety apologizing for David Choi's past remarks.

Netflix Original Series 'The Angry People' Steven Yeun
[Image source=Provided by Netflix]

In the statement, they said, "The fabricated story David Choi made up nine years ago is extremely shocking, and we do not condone this behavior."

However, they asked people to "acknowledge that he apologized for fabricating this terrible story and has spent the past decade reflecting on his mistakes and striving to improve his behavior."

Meanwhile, "Beef," released on April 6 this year, is a drama that deals with conflicts arising from a road rage incident between a struggling contractor and a dissatisfied businessman. David Choi played a significant leading role as Isaac in the series.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.