Korean Actor Resumes Career Following Rape Conviction And Prison Term

Hirofumi Arai is back acting after a six-year break — but controversy follows him.

The actor, also known as Park Kyung Bae, returned to the stage in a one-man show written by Masaaki Akahori in December 2025.

Arai’s last public appearance was six years ago after his arrest in February 2019. He was charged with rape for assaulting a female masseuse at his home in July 2024, later indicted, and sentenced to five years in prison. That sentence was cut to four years after a settlement with the victim.

He is a Zainichi South Korean — his family migrated to Japan before 1945, and he held Japanese citizenship until switching to South Korean citizenship in 2005.

Arai’s comeback wasn’t smooth. Fans took photos during his greetings, sparking negative reactions.

He posted a statement asking the media not to include images of non-celebrities he interacted with. He also said he would work if given opportunities, but wouldn’t otherwise.

謝罪｜新井浩文 https://t.co/YJSW8LBqKM
無料です。
誤字、脱字があったら教えて下さいm(._.)m
— 新井浩文 (@arai19790118) December 29, 2025

He claimed he received many offers despite his criminal record.

赤堀雅秋一人芝居「日本対俺２」
2日目
本日23日の日替わりゲストは#田中哲司 さん
19時開演です。
当日券キャンセル待ちは18時から販売になります。
皆さまのご来場お待ちしております #日本対俺2
— 赤堀雅秋一人芝居「日本対俺2」 (@akahorihitori) December 22, 2025

His return is causing mixed reactions among fans and the public due to his past.