Popular K-Drama Star Addresses Marijuana Controversy Resulting in Award Loss and Two-Year Break
Park Sang Myun was caught in a harsh rumor that tanked his career for two years.
The controversy began in 2010 when the actor, known for supporting roles in many K-Dramas, was set to win a year-end acting award for Bread, Love and Dreams. The drama hit over 50% in viewership ratings, and he was told to prepare for an award.
Soon after, a tabloid newsletter sparked a rumor about “Actor P” being investigated for marijuana use. The drama name was similar to his, but his name was never directly mentioned.
“It claimed that ‘Actor P’ was under investigation for marijuana use. The drama mentioned in the rumor was similar to mine. They didn’t even reveal a real name, but the broadcasting station acted as if I was about to be arrested.”
— Park Sang Myun
Suspicion spread online, and despite no clear accusation, Park Sang Myun found himself removed from the Best Supporting Actor nomination list.
“It’s strange to come out and say ‘I didn’t smoke marijuana’ when no name was even stated, isn’t it? I had only been nominated for Best Supporting Actor, but I was eventually informed that I had been removed from the nomination list. On the internet, everyone assumed it was me.”
— Park Sang Myun
The real identity of “Actor P” surfaced one to two years later, but by then the damage was done. Park Sang Myun was blacklisted from projects and lost two years of work.
“By then, it was too late. I couldn’t appear in any projects for two years,”
— Park Sang Myun
He also shared how he coped with the false scandal.
“At the time, it really hurt. Fortunately, though, I let things go quickly. Not thinking too deeply is my strength. I let it go in one ear and out the other. I kept meeting friends, laughing, talking, and hanging out. That’s how I spent my time, and before I knew it, I’d forgotten about it.”
— Park Sang Myun
Park Sang Myun bounced back and recently won the “Excellence Award” at the 2025 KBS Drama Awards for Catch Your Luck.
Park Sang Myun was wrongly linked to a drug scandal.
Actor Park Sang Myun | MBN
Watch Park Sang Myun’s interview and reflection here: