ISTANBUL – A routine drug screening has led to the abrupt departure of actor Doğukan Güngör from the hugely popular Turkish drama “Kızılcık Şerbeti,” highlighting the intense scrutiny faced by performers in the country’s entertainment industry. Güngör,who played the character Fatih Ünal,reportedly tested positive as part of a broader investigation targeting celebrities,prompting network Gold Yapım to terminate his contract. Following the decision, a visibly emotional farewell was held for Güngör on set january 28, as colleagues rallied around the actor.
A popular Turkish television series, “Kızılcık Şerbeti,” faced a sudden shakeup last week when actor Doğukan Güngör, who plays Fatih Ünal, tested positive for drugs during a routine screening as part of an investigation into substance use among celebrities. Following the positive test, the network moved to terminate his contract.
EMOTIONAL FAREWELL
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After scenes he’d already filmed were cut and he was removed from promotional materials, including the show’s trailer and posters, the cast and crew of “Kızılcık Şerbeti” organized a farewell for Güngör on January 28. He was greeted with applause as he entered the set, visibly moved by the gesture.
“I THINK THIS IS MY HARDEST SCENE EVER…”
According to journalist Birsen Altuntaş, Güngör began his remarks with a lighthearted quip, saying, “I’m tripping.” He continued, “So many beautiful scenes have been played out in this house, so many moments lived with my soul… As an actor, as Doğukan, I think this is my hardest scene ever… It’s an emotional production, so it’s hard for anyone. Through these processes, I can assure you that my love for acting and my passion for my work, along with my confidence in myself, will get me through this wreckage.”
“I FULLY BELIEVE EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT”
“I want to thank all the directors I’ve worked with during this time,” he added. “Gold Yapım tried to support me until the end, but everyone has their limits. I love you all; we’ve become an amazing family here. I fully believe everything will be alright… It’s hard to pick things up, too. I love you all.”
AHMET MÜMTAZ TAYLAN: “EVERYTHING HAPPENS TO A GOOD FELLOW”
Güngör then embraced Ahmet Mümtaz Taylan, who plays his father, Abdullah Ünal, on the show. Taylan offered words of support, saying, “Doğukan, you haven’t left us much to say, but we believe in you. We love you very much. We’re so happy to have worked with you. We’re very confident that we’ll work together again. Let’s meet again soon.” The incident underscores the pressures faced by actors in the Turkish entertainment industry, where public image is closely scrutinized.
