Courtesy of Shinhwa Biz (@shinbiz)
Sunday, September 11, 2011
[11.08.17] Han Ye Seul apologises, will return to finish drama
Han Ye Seul’s management agency Sidus HQ announced Tuesday that the actress will return to Korea on Wednesday, to complete shooting the remaining episodes of the Korean Broadcasting System’s (KBS) drama “Spy Myung Wol”, reported Korean media.
Han had earlier refused to attend shoots for the drama and travelled to Los Angeles, leaving KBS without new episodes to air and her co-stars in limbo.
Sidus HQ said in a media statement that “the intense shooting schedule for the show left Han Ye Seul exhausted in both mind and body” and explained that actress’ judgment was clouded by her exhaustion, causing her to up and go midway through production of the show.
It added that Han did not expect the problem to get out of hand and has decided to return to Korea, in order to finish shooting the currently airing drama.
“Spy Myung Wol” Executive Producer Lee Kang Hyun expressed that Han must prove her sincerity if she is to come back to the show.
“Even if Han Ye Seul returns, she must first officially apologise to her colleagues and the production staff as well as promise this won’t happen again.
“Whether her return is accepted hinges upon whether next week’s scheduled shoots … are carried out as planned without further disruptions,” said Lee, who revealed that KBS has arranged for another actress to replace Han if things do not work out.
“Spy Myung Wol”, which revolves around a beautiful North Korean spy who falls in love with a South Korean pop star, has suffered poor ratings so far and has been panned by critics for its improbable plot.
Interestingly, the latest episode of enjoyed a 1.6 percent increase in viewership ratings amidst the controversy triggered by Han’s departure.
This improvement in its ratings has sparked speculation among Korean netizens that the whole incident was nothing more than a publicity stunt to boost the ratings of the ailing show.
Source: Channel Newsasia
[11.08.17] Spy Myungwol’s Eric proposes morale-boosting dinner gathering
Eric (Mun Jung Hyuk) has proposed a dinner gathering for his fellow cast members and production team of “Spy Myungwol”, which he is currently starring in.
A top-level manager from Eric’s management company told Star News on 17th Aug, “Eric suggested a dinner gathering for the ‘Spy Myungwol’ team, which has been facing many difficulties lately. So since this morning I’ve been calling up the cast members and staff of the drama to push ahead with the gathering. Since there’s no filming today it would be a good day to hold the gathering.”
He added with a laugh, “Of course it’s Eric’s treat. Up until now the ‘Spy Myungwol’ team hasn’t been able to gather for a meal yet, and we hope that everyone will have an enjoyable time today.”
Eric made the suggestion of the gathering in the hope that the cast and crew can put the recent incident behind them and embark on filming with enthusiasm when Han Ye Seul returns to the set on the 18th.
(Background of Han Ye Seul’s no-show omitted)
Credits: Star News + Absolut Shinhwa
[11.08.16] KBS speaks about Myung-wol the Spy’s future at press conference (via Dramabeans)
Taken from Dramabeans:
KBS held an emergency press conference on the 16th at their broadcast station, to address the issue of Han Ye-seul’s departure from Monday-Tuesday drama Myung-wol the Spy.
- Presiding was KBS’s drama department chief, Go Young-tak, as well as other executives EP Lee Kang-hyun and CP Jung Sung-hyo.
- Their official stance was that Han acted “irresponsibly” and independently, in such a way that they can’t tolerate the reason for her actions. Go stated that the station “cannot accept that she refused to shoot based on discord with producers.”
- Go called Han’s reasons for leaving the drama — the killer schedule and the late, piecemeal script deliveries — “an excuse” because “Myung-wol the Spy‘s schedule is not more arduous than other dramas.”
- He denied that the drama was behind schedule or putting out script pages late. The scripts were released in bound form, not loose pages (loose pages is what happens when they’re so behind that the writer churns out pages rather than full scripts at a time). (Note: There were previous rumors that the drama was already in loose-script mode.)
- CP Jung confirmed that Han made the request early on for a five-day workweek and stated that they made concessions to reduce her schedule and let her out of shoots to film CFs, but also stated that the reality of live-shooting dramas requires the lead actress to shoot long hours.
- CP Jung added that Han didn’t want to act with certain actors, and scripts were revised when she didn’t want to do physical gags. “We did everything she asked.”
- CP Lee said that he spoke with Han on the phone on the 13th, who said that the producers were ostracizing her on set. Lee told her that it didn’t make sense for producers to alienate their leading actress, and that they were probably just upset that she was late.
- Lee added that Han had a positive reaction prior to the broadcast. “However, after seeing Episodes 1 and 2, she seemed dissatisfied with the result, which didn’t live up to her expectations. She also had complaints about her character, such as the physical gags and the personality that was limited to cheerfulness.”
- KBS stated their intention to see the drama through the end.
- A new actress will be brought in to replace Han if necessary.
- Go added, “Actually, KBS was waiting for Han Ye-seul to return through it all. If she returned by Sunday night, the Monday broadcast would have been possible, and if she returned Monday the Tuesday broadcast would have been possible. Even now, although we don’t expect that she’ll return to Korea, if she were able to film Episode 13 and the situation could continue as planned, we would consult with the production company. If that’s the best [Han could offer], we would choose it.”
Other points:
- As of the 15th, less than 50% of this week’s intended episodes had been filmed.
- Monday’s episode was pre-empted for a (pointless) special, which was basically the drama’s first 10 episodes condensed into the hour in an extended highlight reel.
- The drama resumed shoots on the 16th with the other cast members. Apparently they intend to air an episode as scheduled for Tuesday evening. (How they will manage that, I have no idea.)
- Han’s early-morning arrival in LA on the 16th was confirmed, and she spoke with an SBS program, Entertainment Tonight upon her arrival to say, “I left everything behind. I hope that as a result [of my departure], the other actors will be able to film in a better environment.”
- Production company Lee Kim Productions has stated its intent to go after Han for civil and possibly also penal suits.
- Han’s own agency, Sidus HQ, also plans to sue for damages, in conjunction with the producers.
- Advertisers are also likely litigants; some of the companies she has been contracted to endorse have also expressed the possibility of filing lawsuits.
- The fate of Han’s next movie, Penny-Pinching Romance with Song Joong-ki, is unclear. The film completed shooting a few months ago and is currently scheduled for a fall release.
- Rumors are therefore rampant that Han intends to retire. Chances are, that choice is out of her hands now.
Via Yonhap News, Star News, TV Report, Star News
[11.08.16] Official statement from Lee Kim Productions on “Spy Myungwol” (via allkpop)
We would like to make a statement as the production company of KBS’s ‘Spy Myung Wol’ regarding actress Han Ye Seul’s behavior on refusing to film and making inexcusable absences.
On August 15th, the episode originally scheduled to air was instead replaced by a special highlights reel. The reason that such an event had to occur was because of actress Han Ye Seul’s refusal to show up for filming, which in turn, caused a delay in every other schedule.
During the drama’s production process, Han Ye Seul made requests that asked for the script to be edited in her favor in addition to schedule changes. She was also late several times, but each time, producers worked with patience to communicate with her on a level that would allow the film set to run smoothly.
Despite their efforts, Han Ye Seul refused to film and cut off communication by disappearing, making it impossible for co-stars and staff to continue filming for the drama.
The set had many actors and staff who were preparing to film, but ultimately had to wait for long periods of time in severe rain. Having anticipated Han Ye Seul’s arrival, they couldn’t help but feel empty after hearing that she had left overseas. Because of one person’s rash decision, the situation has escalated to such unfortunate heights, making it impossible for the drama to stay on schedule.
We trust that as an actress with 10 years of experience, she would have known the consequences of what happens when an episode is canceled due to inadequate footage. Despite knowing such facts, she left the set without any sense of responsibility for her actions, and we can’t help but criticize her wrong-doings. Even during the exact moment she left Korea, many junior and senior co-stars as well as staff remained at the scene, waiting for her return.
We would like to emphasize that there is absolutely no justification for Han Ye Seul’s actions. Refusing to film is an irresponsible act that not only breaks her promise with the viewers, but is incomprehensible by her fellow co-stars and staff.
Co-star Eric in particular had a lot of hopes for this drama, since it is his first project after he returned from his military service. Like Han Ye Seul, he too had a tight schedule, but still managed to work through it.
After the fifth episode, Han Ye Seul began making countless requests to cut down her scenes, forcing Eric to take on more than he had to. Still, he held it in and worked through them, knowing that it was his duty as an actor.
Not only that, but Eric also played the role of mediator between Han Ye Seul and the producers whenever she showed signs of refusing to film. It was Eric who persuaded her to return and made the extra effort to ensure that the film set was running in a positive environment.
Unfortunately, Han Ye Seul’s irresponsible actions have turned the efforts of her co-stars and staff into a complete waste.
Furthermore, because of her refusal to film and her inexcusable absences, our production company has met with severe damages and losses, all of which is the fault of Han Ye Seul.
We express our pity towards Han Ye Seul who made a decision that’s unfitting for a public figure, and would like to inform you that we have taken civil and criminal actions against her to recover from the damages we are currently suffering from.
We would like to once again apologize for having to air a special reel in place of the next episode of ‘Spy Myung Wol’.”
Source: Star News + allkpop
[11.08.16] “Spy Myungwol” may carry on without a lead actress
KBS2 drama “Spy Myungwol” may continue without a female lead.
The drama, which has been halted with the disappearance of lead actress Han Ye Seul, may continue without a female lead instead of getting a replacement. A member from the production team said on the 16th, “We may carry on with the broadcast without a female lead. There are plans to have Han Ye Seul’s character killed off with her final death scene at the end of Episode 10 and carry on with the rest of the drama.” On the night of the 15th, the producer had instructed several cast members to stay on standby as there is a lot more footage required than expected.
Episode 10, aired last week, showed Myungwol (played by Han Ye Seul) acting out a death scene in the fictional movie “Shiri 2″. Another crew member added, “The original storyline was to have Han Ye Seul’s character rise to stardom after her successful role. But with Han Ye Seul leaving the production, it won’t actually be easy to find a replacement actress and we hope for the viewers’ understanding to kill off the character and carry on.”
(Previously reported information omitted)
Credits: Sports Seoul + Absolut Shinhwa
[11.08.16] Eric opens up about Han Ye Seul’s no-show (via allkpop)
On August 15th, Eric spoke through an interview with Newsen, saying,
Credits: Newsen + allkpop
“Though the viewer ratings and reports for ‘Spy Myung Wol’ haven’t been that great, the rest of the actors and I have been enduring it and doing our best while thinking, ‘If we work hard, there will be good results’. Of course, my tight schedule and filming itself have been a little hard, but I’ve been trying my best to keep my promise with the viewers.
Haven’t we all gone through tough times will working on ‘Spy Myung Wol’ and other dramas? Isn’t it the same for all the other actors? I believe that overcoming and fighting through these struggles is the responsibility of the actor.
I believe that staying out of reach and causing the drama to stop is not right. I wish Han Ye Seul would hurry and return to the set. I want to achieve a successful conclusion with mutual understanding.“
[11.08.16] KBS to replace Han Ye Seul with another actress for “Spy Myungwol”
KBS has made the decision on 15th August to replace the leading actress of the Mon-Tue drama “Spy Myungwol”.
According to a rep, the KBS drama division held an emergency meeting and decided to bring in a new character to replace Han Ye Seul’s lead character for the rest of the drama.
The rep told Star News, “The decision has been made to replace the female lead. No concrete details have been confirmed as of now.”
Meanwhile Han Ye Seul had refused to show up for filming on the 14th due to conflicts with the director over scheduling issues, and left the country for the United States on the 15th.
Credits: Star News + Absolut Shinhwa
*Chosun Ilbo reports that KBS has given Han Ye Seul a final deadline of 12pm on 16th Aug to show up on the set, failing which she will be liable to pay damages worth $10 billion won for business interference. This does not include other possible damages she has to pay for her CF and movie contracts which may amount to about $20-30 billion won.
[11.08.15] Han Ye Seul allegedly departed Korea for LA on 15th August
Han Ye Seul, who ignited a controversy with her refusal to turn up for filming for the drama “Spy Myungwol”, has made a shock departure for the United States.
Han Ye Seul was seen by airport passengers as she passed through the departure gates of Incheon Airport at about 2pm on 15 August with a male partner
According to an airport rep, Korean Air flight KE0017 departed for LA at 3pm today. It’s not clear as of now whether Han Ye Seul is returning to her parents who are currently staying in LA.
A rep from Lee Kim Production told Sports Donga, “We just heard about Han Ye Seul leaving the country from the other production team members, and we’re in the midst of verifying the information. We will clarify our stand once we verify the information.”
Credits: Sports Donga + Absolut Shinhwa
[11.08.15] Eric, on standby for the past 16 hours for “Spy Myungwol” filming
“Spy Myungwol” star Eric has been on standby for filming for the past 16 hours. He is unable to have a good sleep and is just waiting to film. The filming scheduled for 15th August has been cancelled as female lead Han Ye Seul has refused to participate in filming on 14th and 15th August. With the drama close to being broadcast live, Han Ye Seul will have to return to filming as soon as possible.
Eric has been on standby since 7pm on 14th August, and did not sleep or change out of his costume as there was still a possibility of resuming filming.
A rep said, “Eric has been waiting for more than 16 hours now. We don’t know what sudden calamity has befallen him.”
A rep from the production team also added, “Eric is having a hard time being caught between Han Ye Seul and the director. He has tried seeing things from the director’s perspective and tried his best to comfort Han Ye Seul who’s having a hard time. Being caught in the middle, he has done what he could.”
“This is Eric’s comeback drama and it’s very important to him. It’s not that he doesn’t understand the perspectives of Han Ye Seul and the director, he just hopes that both parties can reach a compromise so that filming can resume as soon as possible.”
Eric’s rep said, “Filming has now been cancelled, but it’s even more regrettable that Eric has become a victim of this controversy.”
“Eric has also been filming under very unfavourable conditions. Actually Eric did not voice out any unhappiness, but given that the drama is very important for him, he’s just sad that the situation is worsening.”
Despite the low ratings, Eric had continued to drum up publicity for the drama through ways such as making public his chats with the Shinhwa members.
Credits: Newsen + Absolut Shinhwa
[11.08.15] “Spy Myungwol” faces possible episode cancellations this week
Production company may take legal action against Han Ye Seul if she does not participate in filming
KBS 2TV Mon-Tue drama “Spy Myungwol” is facing a possible cancellation of its 15th episode this week due to leading actress Han Ye Seul’s refusal to participate in filming.
Han Ye Seul did not turn up for filming on the 14th and as of 8am this morning, she has yet to appear at the set. As less than half of the scenes required for this week’s episodes have been filmed, there is a growing possibility of this week’s episodes being cancelled.
KBS stated that they will decide on the morning of 15th Aug whether or not to proceed with the episodes. Although the team will try their best to edit the completed footage such that the episodes can be broadcast as scheduled, if things don’t work out, the contingency plan is to put together the highlights from the episodes aired so far into a special episode.
According to the production company and KBS, Han Ye Seul has been having conflicts with the director and after a public spat with the director on the set on the 13th, requested the production company to change the director. Since then she has not showed up for filming.
The production company and KBS had a marathon meeting late into the night on the 14th but no conclusion has been reached. The production company had also been trying to persuade Han Ye Seul but to no avail.
A rep from the production company Lee Kim Production told Yonhap News, “Han Ye Seul and KBS have completely different point of views, and there seems to be no resolution in sight.”
The rep added, “Before we talk about who’s at fault, shouldn’t we worry about the episodes not being able to be broadcast as scheduled? It’s shocking how an emotional conflict between the actress and the director is obstructing the broadcast. If Han Ye Seul does not turn up for filming today, we will be suing her for business interference.
Han Ye Seul and her representatives are unable to be reached for comments.
Credits: Yonhap News + Absolut Shinhwa
[11.08.14] Han Ye Seul: Absent from filming in the end, and refuses to participate in 15th Aug filming
Actress Han Ye Seul ultimately did not show up on the set for the filming for KBS drama “Spy Myungwol” on 14th August. She has also stated that she will not be participating in the filming scheduled for 15th August, resulting in the cancellation of the whole filming schedule for the day.
According to a rep from the production company, on 14th August Han Ye Seul conveyed to the director that she would not participate in the filming session and did not show up on the set at all, causing filming to be put on hold as the cast & crew could not complete the scheduled scenes.
The rep said, “Even though there were her scenes to be filmed today, Han Ye Seul told the director that she was not going to film and did not show up on the set at all. In the end the remaining members of the cast carried on with filming, stopping short of scenes featuring Han Ye Seul.”
Another rep added, “It’s regrettable that Han Ye Seul was absent, as we couldn’t complete the scenes that were due to be filmed today without the lead actress. We filmed what we could with the rest of the cast.”
Han Ye Seul has also stated that she will not be participating in the filming scheduled for 15th Aug. As a result, the production team has to cancel all filming, originally scheduled in Seoul from the morning of 15th Aug onwards.
A rep from the production team said, “Due to Han Ye Seul’s withdrawal from filming, we’re likely to run into problems with the episodes for this week. We have only filmed about 40% for episodes 11-12 due to be aired this week. It’s frustrating that she did not show up for filming even though she’s the lead actress.”
Credits: Star News + Absolut Shinhwa
Sunday, August 14, 2011
[11.08.14] Sidus HQ explains why Han Ye Seul hasn’t shown up for ‘Spy Myung Wol’ (via allkpop)
talk about being a BITCH... get acts together. you're not the only one being compromised here.......
I understand that actresses are stupid, but while we’re shooting Eric says his lines but she won’t do hers a lot of the time; she says she doesn’t want to do things that make her look funny so she won’t say her lines. She came all the way to far away Mungyeong, turned off her manager’s cell phone, and they just left the set together; because of that the other actors/staff had to put up with a really tight schedule and that made everyone tired. They had to go back to Mungyeong to film that scene. She wanted less scenes with her in them because she’s tired and asked instead to extend Eric’s scenes. In the scenes where she has to appear with Eric together she doesn’t show any consideration for Eric; she just goes in to quarrel with the director. Filming for the drama’s plainly going to be mostly all-nighters and the drama will practically be broadcast live, but she says she wants a 5 day workweek and she also wants us to finish up filming for the day everyday at midnight. We have to build up the Myeongwol-Kang Woo relationship and continue the melo story but she makes Eric look stupid because she doesn’t even try to understand what the script is about. All the news came out because of her but the next day she didn’t even look apologetic and she went around proudly. She never wants to do anything that makes her look funny or bad; in the scene where she had to get hit with eggs she treated the stuntman so badly when there was nothing wrong and she made the stuntman film the scene for her. Sidus can’t control her, so in the articles written against Han Yeseul they made Eric look bad too along with her when he’s trying his best. The atmosphere at the set is great when Han Yeseul is not there but when she comes in, it changes; it settles down. Even when we try to tell Han Yeseul’s staff and the production company about this she just acts as she pleases. If she does it one more time I think I’m going to swear directly in her face next time I see her. I’m sorry this is so unorganized, I’m so mad.
========================================================
Earlier today, the media reported that Han Ye Seul had refused to show up for the filming of her drama, KBS’s ‘Spy Myung Wol’. Representatives of her agency, Sidus HQ, have come out with an explanation for the four-hour standby she forced onto the cast and staff.
Through Newsen, they explained, “Han Ye Seul is physically not in great condition, which is why she hasn’t gone to the film set yet. As reports said, it is true that she was also late for filming on August 12th. Yesterday, however, filming was scheduled to end at 2 AM but it ended at 5 AM instead. There was another filming scheduled for 7 AM, so isn’t it only natural that she isn’t able to make it?”
According to the representative, the producers of the drama and Han Ye Seul had conflicts when it came to balancing their schedules.
The representative added, “Han Ye Seul will return to the film set as soon as she’s in better health.”
Source: Newsen + allkpop
credit: Absolut Shinhwa
[11.08.14] Han Ye Seul refuses to show up for ‘Spy Myung Wol’ filming (via allkpop)
KBS’s ‘Spy Myung Wol‘ has been put on an emergency hold due to actress Han Ye Seul’s refusal to show up for filming.
On August 14th, a representative revealed that filming was scheduled to begin at 7:30 AM KST. As of 11 AM, however, Han Ye Seul has yet to show up for filming.
According to the representative, today’s scenes required Han Ye Seul, Eric, Jo Hyung Ki, and Yoo Ji In. All staff and cast, excluding the actress, are currently waiting at the filming location.
Through Star News, the representative revealed, “Han Ye Seul directly told the director that she is not filming. She has not come to the film set since then.”
The reason behind her refusal stems from her differences in opinions with the producers regarding balancing her other schedules. This isn’t the first time she has appeared late. On August 12th, she showed up at 3:30 PM when filming was scheduled to begin at 6:30 AM.
On another occasion, she left the filming set early, without reason and consideration for the rest of the staff, leaving producers dumbfounded.
One producer of ‘Spy Myung Wol’ revealed, “If Han Ye Seul does not appear for today’s recording, it will impact the episodes to air this week. We have only filmed about 40% of the episodes that are scheduled to go out this week so we’re all just very shocked that the leading female role has yet to show up.”
Source + Photos: Star News + allkpop
Saturday, August 13, 2011
(2011/08/12) Added trailer, stills and updated cast for the upcoming Korean drama "The Peak"
"The Peak" (2011)
Directed by Lee Sang-yeob-I
Written by Hwang Jin-yeong
Network : MBC
With Kim Dong-wan, Seo Hyeon-jin, Lee Seung-hyo, Yoon Ji-hye, Eom Hyo-seob, Oh Hyun-kyeong
2 episodes
Synopsis
A drama about the life story of Lee Yook-sa, an independantista and the poet who wrote "Wilderness","The Peak", "Green Grape" and more.
Broadcast starting date in Korea : 2011/08/15
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