MBC Terminates Contract Amid Controversy Over Culprit's Return in Drama 'Lovers'
MBC has addressed the controversy surrounding the participation of a culprit involved in the death of two sisters who were extras.
On May 4, MBC's production team released an official statement through their viewer communication center, saying, "We are taking the concerns of viewers regarding the management company for the drama 'Lovers' extras very seriously."
They continued, "Currently, external professional companies are participating in the production of 'Lovers', and we have confirmed that the controversial individual visited some of the filming locations. In response to viewers' opinions and concerns, MBC has decided to ban the individual from accessing the production site as an initial measure, and to terminate the contract with the company to prevent any possible involvement."
Furthermore, the statement added, "We will do our best until the end of the production so that the drama 'Lovers' can start its first broadcast with the interest and love of viewers."
Recently, a family member of the two sisters who passed away due to a sexual assault and death case involving extras called for a boycott of the drama 'Lovers' in a protest video uploaded on their personal channel. The family member claimed that one of the culprits had returned to work on the drama.
In 2004, daughter B was sexually assaulted by a group while working as an extra, and filed a complaint with the police. However, she experienced secondary victimization during the process and ultimately took her own life. Her younger sister C, who introduced B to the job, also committed suicide due to guilt.
The family member said, "One of the culprits who drove the sisters to suicide is reportedly working again as a casting director for MBC's drama extras. I will continue the boycott movement until there's an official statement from MBC excluding that person. Please join in. I can only mention the boycott movement to avoid being sued for defamation."
MBC's upcoming drama 'Lovers' (directed by Kim Sung-yong and written by Hwang Jin-young) is set to air this year, telling the story of a couple's love thrown into the chaos of the Byeongja Horan and the hope that the people find amidst hardship. Actors Nam Goong-min, Ahn Eun-jin, Lee Hak-joo, and Lee Da-in are part of the cast.
Below is the full official statement from MBC:
This is MBC's production team.
We are taking the concerns of viewers regarding the management company for the drama 'Lovers' extras very seriously.
Currently, external professional companies are participating in the production of 'Lovers', and we have confirmed that the controversial individual visited some of the filming locations.
MBC has decided to ban the individual from accessing the production site as an initial measure, and to terminate the contract with the company to prevent any possible involvement.
MBC will do our best until the end of the production so that the drama 'Lovers' can start its first broadcast with the interest and love of viewers.
Thank you.
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