Choo Young-Woo, the rising K-pop star of Netflix’s hit medical drama The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call, has broken his silence over the controversy surrounding his Instagram actions. The actor won many hearts with his portrayal of Yang Jae-Won, who also happens to be a dedicated trauma team doctor, but he was seen criticized for his following list in social media.
Young-Woo’s Instagram Controversy
The outrage began when netizens noticed that Choo’s Instagram following list had included some people connected to explicit or problematic content. These include the rapper Jung Sang-Soo, who was notorious for his multiple DUIs, assault charges, fights with authorities, and inflammatory rap lyrics containing improper references.
Also in Choo’s following list were some AfreecaTV broadcasters, including Billy and KUBIN, whose contents are deemed provocative.
Although the actor quickly unfollowed the accounts, the damage had been done. Fans and critics alike debated his choices, questioning the impact of his social media activity on his rising career.
Choo Young-Woo’s Apology
Responding to the growing scrutiny, Choo addressed the issue in an interview on February 5. The 25-year-old actor expressed regret, acknowledging his responsibility as a public figure.
#추영우 #ChooYoungWoo apologizes for his recent ‘social media following controversies’ [OSEN Interview]
“I had no specific intention… I will be careful with my words and actions. I’m actually very interested in shortform content in general. That’s why I followed them and never pic.twitter.com/a7AzcLUVrQ
— ᡣ𐭩 (@hwanywhoon) February 5, 2025
“I had no specific intention… I will be careful with my words and actions. I’m actually very interested in shortform content in general. That’s why I followed them and never unfollowed them,” he said. “Even when my actions are well-meaning, they could be misconstrued. It made me realize that I have to be more careful in what I do,” he added.
He clarified that his social media activity had no ulterior motives. He expressed, “I apologize if it made people uncomfortable. As I said, I will be more careful and responsible with my words, actions, and everything in the future.”
Yong-Woo Career
When questioned if the controversy personally affected him, Choo stayed calm. He said that it was something he could deal with through his work, reiterating his thanks for the support he continues to receive in his career. Still, this brief stumble did not stop his success in The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call, which remains a source of praise for his talent in the Korean entertainment world.
Choo Young-Woo, of the popular TV show The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call, has issued an apology after some of his controversial followers came under scrutiny. The star expressed regret over any distress caused and promised to be more careful in the future about who he follows.