David Choe, a graffiti artist and actor who appears in Netflix’s new show “Beef,” is at the center of controversy over past comments he made on a podcast about sexually assaulting a masseuse (ARTnews.com). The comments resurfaced online, and the creators and stars of “Beef” have been defending his casting. Lee Sung Jin, creator of the show, as well as stars Steven Yeun and Ali Wong, released a statement saying that Choe has “put in the work” since making the comments (Variety). However, the creators did acknowledge that the comments were “undeniably hurtful and extremely disturbing” (CBS News).
Choe’s comments were made in 2014 on a podcast, where he joked about being a rapist and bragged about assaulting a masseuse (NBC News). Although the comments are several years old, they have sparked intense reactions online, and many are calling for Choe to be dropped from the show (LAist).
Despite the backlash, Choe’s defenders claim that he has worked to make amends for his past behavior. The creators and stars of “Beef” have emphasized his work and dedication to the show, stating that Choe has “put in the work” (The Washington Post).
The controversy surrounding Choe highlights the ongoing conversation about holding individuals accountable for past behavior, even if it was several years ago. It also raises questions about how to reconcile past actions with present-day work and whether redemption is possible.
