The name Go Hyun Jung has long been linked to controversy.

In 2018, during her appearance on SBS’s ‘Return,’ Go Hyun Jung faced accusations of power abuse and conflicts with the production team, leading to her abrupt departure from the show. At a press conference for another project, she made headlines for raising her voice at on-site staff, telling them to “be quiet.” 

Rumors of director and writer replacements, as well as feuds with co-stars, have also surrounded her over the years. While her candid personality has created explosive synergy with charismatic roles, it has also become a ticking time bomb that constantly threatens her image as an actress.

On December 16th, Go Hyun Jung was absent from the ‘Namib’ press conference, held at The Saint in Sindorim, Seoul, at 2 p.m. The drama's production team announced just two hours before the event, citing medical advice recommending “absolute rest and recovery.” 

Her agency, IOK Company, later clarified that Go Hyun Jung had visited the emergency room that morning and could not attend. Some have questioned the timing, pointing out that she attended a jewelry brand event just three days prior, on December 13th. 

Even if her health was the sole reason for her absence, missing the press conference for a drama where she is the main lead is undoubtedly a blemish. Given her history of on-set controversies, this could have been an opportunity to demonstrate professionalism and dispel past rumors. Instead, the focus has shifted to her absence, overshadowing the drama and its other cast members just days before its December 23rd premiere.

Recently Go Hyun Jung appeared on ‘You Quiz on the Block,’ where she openly discussed personal topics, including her inability to see her children after her divorce. These bold moves seemed driven by a desire to shed the baggage of past controversies and be remembered as a beloved, enduring actress. 

However, as someone known for excelling at her craft, perhaps the simplest advice for Go Hyun Jung is this: “Focusing on your craft is the easiest way to be loved as an actor.”

Her craft involves not just delivering stellar performances but also supporting her projects and co-stars, fulfilling her responsibilities as a lead actor, and building excitement for viewers that she can meet or exceed. Excelling in acting alone is not enough.

Meanwhile, ‘Namib’ tells the story of Kang Soo Hyun (played by Go Hyun Jung), a fired star producer, and Yoo Jin Woo (played by Ryeo Un), a long-term trainee who has been let go, as they pursue their respective goals. The drama premieres on December 23rd at 10 p.m., with streaming available for free immediately after the broadcast on KT Genie TV and Genie TV Mobile.