Actor Faces Job Loss Again Following Student Protests Over Sexual Scandal
Han Ji Sang is facing backlash after being replaced as a lecturer at Sungkyunkwan University amid student protests.
The controversy began when Han Ji Sang was appointed to teach the voice class for first-year Acting Arts students in the first semester of 2026. The department initially recommended him based on his acting experience and alumni status. They acknowledged his past scandal but decided to hire him after considering the social climate around stigma.
“The faculty of Sungkyunkwan University’s Acting Arts Department, after discussions with the university administration and a faculty meeting, has decided to proceed with the course by replacing the originally appointed instructor, Han Ji Sang.”
— Sungkyunkwan University
Soon after his appointment was announced, criticism exploded on social media over his ethics as an instructor. A protest poster saying, “We, the students, want to learn in a safe space,” appeared on campus around March 5.
The poster was removed without full discussion among staff and students, which sparked further issues with communication. The faculty admitted fault, saying the department “failed to create a culture where members could freely and safely express diverse opinions.”
“If even one student feels unsafe in the school’s educational environment, we will make every effort to address the issue,” the faculty said.
“We will move forward with stricter ethical standards and greater sensitivity in our educational approach.”
In the past, Han Ji Sang was accused in 2020 of sexually harassing a female fan known as Woman A. His agency said after the two cooled off from their 2018 relationship, threats demanding an apology or money began in 2019. Han Ji Sang filed complaints for extortion and coercion, but prosecutors did not indict Woman A.
His side later said investigations cleared him of sexual assault or forced harassment.
Han Ji Sang was replaced quickly as the university responded to student backlash and ethical concerns.
