[Sportschosun reporter Park A-ram] Park Kyung-bae, a Japanese actor of Korean descent known in Japan as Hirofumi Arai, drew attention after speaking about his experience in prison.
On the 17th, Park Kyung-bae shared a photo of ice cream on his personal account and wrote, "What I ate in prison was something that really shocked me." The post drew online attention as an honest account of his personal experience.
He was arrested in February 2019 on charges of sexually assaulting a massage therapist he had called to his home in July 2018. After trial, he was sentenced to prison, and in December 2020, a four-year prison term was finalized. After serving his sentence, he returned to acting in late December 2025 as a one-day guest on a stage production in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo, resuming his career after about 6 years and 10 months.
He also shared his views on future activities through a note. "I don't know what will happen to me as an actor from here on, but if work comes in, I will do it; if not, I won't be able to," he said. "If I get another chance to stand on stage, I would appreciate your support."
He also appeared to be mindful of criticism, saying in effect that "in Japan, most jobs are open to people with criminal records," prompting a range of reactions online.
tokkig@sportschosun.com
