The glitz and glamour of K-Dramas often mask the grueling work that goes into their production. However, behind the polished final product, many dramas suffer from toxic work environments, poor management, and budget constraints that lead to serious controversies. These production nightmares have resulted in unsafe working conditions, unfair treatment of actors and staff, and even the premature cancellation of dramas. This article examines some of the most notorious behind-the-scenes scandals that have plagued the K-Drama industry.
Unfair Treatment of Actors and Staff
The King of Tears, Lee Bang-won – Animal Abuse Controversy
One of the most shocking production scandals in K-Drama history involved The King of Tears, Lee Bang-won. During filming, a horse was severely injured and later died due to unsafe stunt practices. The incident, captured on camera, sparked outrage among both the general public and animal rights organizations. This led to investigations and calls for better regulations to protect animals used in filming. The controversy severely damaged the drama’s reputation and brought increased scrutiny to the ethical treatment of animals in South Korean entertainment.
Time – Kim Jung-hyun’s Controversial Exit
MBC’s Time (2018) faced a major crisis when lead actor Kim Jung-hyun abruptly left the drama, citing health issues. However, reports later suggested that external factors, including alleged control by his then-girlfriend, actress Seo Ye-ji, influenced his behavior on set. His cold demeanor toward co-star Seohyun, refusal to participate in romantic scenes, and general lack of engagement led to heavy criticism. The drama had to be rewritten to accommodate his departure, affecting the overall narrative and disappointing fans.
Budget Cuts and Mismanagement
Arthdal Chronicles – A Production in Chaos
Despite being one of the most ambitious K-Dramas ever made, Arthdal Chronicles (2019) faced significant behind-the-scenes struggles. Reports surfaced that cast and crew members were forced to endure poor working conditions, including excessively long hours and unsafe environments. Budget constraints led to incomplete CGI, inconsistent set designs, and rushed storytelling, which hurt the drama’s overall quality. The controversy led to delays in confirming a second season, leaving fans in suspense for years.
Joseon Exorcist – Cancelled After Two Episodes
One of the most infamous cases of production failure, Joseon Exorcist (2021), was cancelled after just two episodes due to historical inaccuracies and accusations of Chinese cultural influence. The backlash from Korean viewers was so severe that sponsors withdrew their support, forcing the network to pull the drama off the air. The production suffered a huge financial loss, with completed episodes never seeing the light of day.
Unsafe Work Conditions and Overwork
The Penthouse – Stuntwoman’s Injury
During the filming of The Penthouse series, a stuntwoman was severely injured due to inadequate safety measures during an action sequence. This incident raised concerns about the treatment of stunt performers in the industry, with many calling for better safety protocols and improved working conditions.
The King: Eternal Monarch – Overworked Staff
The King: Eternal Monarch (2020) faced criticism for overworking staff members, leading to reports of extreme exhaustion and deteriorating health conditions. The K-Drama industry’s demanding schedules have often resulted in overworked cast and crew, with some staff members allegedly working over 20 hours a day to meet tight deadlines. This issue continues to be a major concern, prompting discussions about the need for stricter labor laws.
Final Thoughts
While K-Dramas captivate audiences worldwide, the dark realities of their production often go unnoticed. From unfair treatment of actors to unsafe working conditions, these scandals highlight the need for reforms in the industry. As global interest in K-Dramas continues to grow, there is hope that increased scrutiny will lead to better regulations and improved working environments for all involved in bringing these stories to life.
