K-pop girl group 2NE1’s Park Bom, who recently came under fire for an alleged drug scandal, appears to have stepped down from the popular reality show “Roommate,” according to industry watchers.?

Park, a regular cast member on the show, has not participated in filming for the TV show since her alleged drug smuggling came to light.?


In light of the scandal, the show’s production team made clear that Park can continue to take part as none of the allegations were proven to be true, but Park has since remained silent.?

The shooting of the SBS show has proceeded as scheduled despite Park’s absence and scenes featuring Park were broadcast without being edited out.?

“As long as Park Bom does not express her intention to make an appearance in ‘Roommate,’ I think her long absence from filming can be interpreted as a permanent exit from the show,” an official from the production team was quoted as saying.?

On July 1, a Korean daily belatedly reported that Park attempted to bring illegal drugs into Korea four years ago and did not face charges.?

YG Entertainment CEO Yang Hyun-suk, however, stated that the drugs in question were not illegally obtained, but officially prescribed by doctors in the U.S.

The Korean news outlet raised suspicions over why the idol was set free without being charged for the attempted drug smuggling and whether her celebrity status was a factor.?

The last episode featuring Park is scheduled to be aired at 4:10 p.m. on July 27.?

“Roommate” is a popular reality show that follows the lives of Korean celebrities of various ages from idols to veteran models in a shared house.

By Ock Hyun-ju (laeticia.ock@heraldcorp.com)