Actress Seo Ye Ji, known for her compelling performances and captivating presence, made a notable return to the small screen on March 30, 2025, appearing on the popular show "Heo Young Man’s Food Travel." This marked her first public appearance in an entertainment program since the uproar surrounding her “gaslighting” scandal in 2021, which not only put her career on pause but also left fans and the industry divided.

The controversy escalated in 2021 when reports surfaced claiming that Seo Ye Ji had exerted undue influence over former co-star Kim Jung Hyun, leading him to refuse intimate scenes with co-star Seohyun in the drama "The Time." The ensuing fallout led to various allegations that caused Seo to step back from the limelight, appearing only briefly in the K-drama "Eve" in 2022. Following that, she largely remained out of public view, intensifying the scrutiny and speculation about her career and personal life.

During her latest TV appearance, Seo openly addressed the challenges she faced, expressing that she had tried to accept the tumultuous experiences as part of her career journey. However, she admitted that the misunderstandings caused by these scandals weighed heavily on her, noting, "It ended up creating misunderstandings deeper than I could expect, and it got stressful."

Host Heo Young Man provided her with encouragement, suggesting she focus on her work and avoid negative comments that might arise from her past. Interestingly, many of the audience reactions were supportive, with viewers voicing their hope for her resurgence in the industry. Comments flooded in, asking why Seo has continued to receive public backlash when others involved in scandals seemed to be forgiven more swiftly. One viewer argued, "Is it right to keep attacking one person for years as if she committed a serious crime? I wish people would be this persistent when going after male actors instead."

Fans of the actress swarmed to her defense, highlighting her talent and urging the public to acknowledge her potential for redemption. “She’s not a criminal, so how long does she have to keep getting hate? Stay strong, hwaiting!” remarked one supporter, emphasizing the need for compassion over judgment.

Earlier in her career, Seo's name had surfaced once more in connection to ongoing controversies involving actor Kim Soo Hyun and his management, prompting her to sever links and publicly express her discontent with being associated with their scandals. In her words, as shared on her fan café, she called for a distinction between her past and her current intentions.

With her recent return to television and a willingness to confront her past, Seo Ye Ji aims to reclaim her place in the industry, hoping to prove that talent and hard work can indeed overshadow previous missteps. As she embarks on this new chapter, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how this journey unfolds.