Amid escalating fallout from reports on film translator Hwang Seok-hee’s past sex crime record, his social media accounts have effectively been locked down.
As of the 31st, only the statement he posted the day before (the 30th) remains on Hwang’s Instagram. His previous posts have been set to private and are no longer visible. Comments on the statement are also restricted, signaling a near-complete halt to public interaction. In addition, the YouTube channel Hwang Seok-hee’s Cinetyping has currently taken down all videos.
Hwang’s latest moves came after yesterday’s reports about his past sex crime record. On that day, Dispatch reported that Hwang had been indicted in past sex crime cases and received a suspended sentence. The coverage cited incidents including a 2005 street molestation and assault case and a 2014 case involving a student. As the controversy spread, Hwang issued a response. Through Instagram, he said, "I am currently reviewing the related matters with my lawyer," adding, "If there are parts of the report that differ from the facts, are unverified, or use expressions that go beyond legal judgment, I will consider seeking corrections and taking action."
Following the reports, Hwang’s past posts have resurfaced online. In earlier posts, he expressed skepticism toward the term "harmless person," writing to the effect that "I am by no means a harmless person." He also told followers not to revere him or consider him a mentor, which is drawing fresh interpretations.
Hwang is a star translator who has worked on numerous titles including Deadpool, Bohemian Rhapsody, and Spider-Man: Homecoming. The recently released film Project Hail Mary is also known to be his work. In the wake of the controversy, some online communities and social media users are expressing discomfort and even calling for boycotts of projects he worked on. Many are watching to see if the fallout will extend to upcoming releases.