Actor Jo Byung Gyu—best known for his roles in Hot Stove League, Sky Castle, and The Uncanny Counter—will remain on the HB Entertainment roster.

The agency told news outlet Sports Kyunghyang, “Although Byung Gyu’s contract had yet to expire, we decided to renew it in advance.”

The renewal is a sign that his agency is determined to stand by him, even as the 24-year-old is currently in a legal battle with an unnamed netizen who accused him of school violence earlier this year.

On February 16, an anonymous person claimed that Byung Gyu bullied him when they were in school together in New Zealand. Three other people came forward, one of whom defended the actor against the allegations.

Byung Gyu himself has addressed the claims on social media. In March, he said they have affected his career and mental health.

“All the projects I was scheduled to participate in have been put on hold. The damage amounts to a number I can't quantify. Since the accusations came out, I keep my eyes glued to the ground whenever I go out. I also haven't slept for weeks,” he wrote on Instagram.

The Uncanny Counter is expected to start production on its next season soon. Here’s hoping the renewal of his contract will be the first of many good things to happen to Byung Gyu in the latter half of 2021.