[instiz] THIS EXPOSEE ABOUT LEE JONGSUK WAS BURIED DOWN

bypannchoa August 07, 2024

I was a Netflix "See You Again" staff member, I'm so frustrated that I might want to vent here ㅠ The script reading for "See You Again" was supposed to be yesterday (Saturday) at 3 PM in Sangam-dong. But then I got a call saying that the drama was canceled. I was stunned. I’m someone who has worked with many dramas before, but this was the first time I’ve had a script reading canceled on the day of.

I tried to contact the production team, and it was so absurd. I heard that Lee Jong-suk canceled the evening before the reading. I've heard some negative rumors about Lee Jong-suk in the industry, like how he dragged out decisions and caused problems with the film "The Witch," but this was something else. I heard that "See You Again" was supposed to offer the highest fee ever, which surprised me, but I don’t want to disclose the exact amount in case it causes issues.

To be honest, I was shocked by how wealthy and successful he must be. But to cancel on the day before the reading? And Monday was the first day of shooting. The script and books were all ready. Not just the lead actors but also middle-aged actors were going to show up for the reading. Everyone was waiting for the reading, and then they were told not to come in the morning. Is this even possible? They might say they have no responsibility since no contract was signed, but wouldn’t Netflix or the production company have known better and not gathered people and spent money if they were just going to cancel?

If Lee Jong-suk wasn’t going to do it, he should have dropped out earlier, not on the day before the reading. It’s absurd. It’s said that in the entertainment industry, when you’re doing well, there are no hierarchies, but it seems like the higher you get, the less regard there is for others. It’s not just about being successful; it’s about showing respect and having decency. I had prepared and waited for this, and now it’s all gone because of one person. It’s incredibly frustrating.

Lee Jong-suk’s last-minute change affected everyone, causing a lot of people who were ready and prepared to lose their jobs. It’s disheartening to think that a single person's word can undo months of work and dreams for those who are just trying to make a living. We, the staff who barely make a living, are seen as insignificant compared to the high-profile actors who get millions for their roles. 

It feels like the staff were all gathered and prepared for nothing. We were told that the drama with Lee Jong-suk and Kim Ji-won was supposed to be a busy but rewarding project, but now it’s all for nothing. It’s very disappointing and disheartening. [...]"


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There's an article about it: 

Actor Lee Jong-suk (34) canceled his appearance the day before the script reading for Netflix's "See You Again" in May 2018. He was considered for the lead role alongside Kim Ji-won (31), and there were high expectations for their reunion after seven years since the sitcom "High Kick!" (2011-2012). A staff member claimed on an online community that "Lee Jong-suk backed out the evening before the reading," but Lee Jong-suk's side countered, "It was one of the projects under consideration. No contract had been signed." Eventually, "See You Again" was canceled, and Netflix stated, "The connection just wasn't there."

At the time, there was talks in the industry that "Lee Jong-suk might have difficulty appearing on Netflix for the time being." Ironically, six years later, Lee Jong-suk still doesn't have any Netflix Original projects. Although the tvN drama "Romance is a Bonus Book" (2019) is available on Netflix, he has not been involved with the platform otherwise. After the end of "Romance is a Bonus Book," he began alternative service as a social service worker and had a two-year hiatus. He subsequently appeared in MBC TV's "Big Mouth" and the film "Decibel" (2022), but he has been unable to decide on a follow-up project for over two years. "Big Mouth" also faced twists and turns; it was initially scheduled to air on tvN and be available on Netflix, but it was later broadcast on MBC and available on Disney+. Reports suggest that Netflix declined "Big Mouth," leading it to be aired on Disney+. Despite MBC's overall poor performance, "Big Mouth" achieved a 13% viewership rating (Nielsen Korea nationwide) and gained popularity internationally through Disney+. That year, Lee Jong-suk won the MBC Acting Award, his second after receiving it for "W" in 2016, and the scheduling change turned out to be a stroke of luck.

In April of this year, reports emerged that Lee Jong-suk was set to enter the OTT market with a project tentatively titled "1 Second." Based on a webtoon of the same name, the story involves a legendary firefighter with a 100% rescue rate, 'Hosu,' whose special ability reveals the future in tense moments. At the time, Lee Jong-suk’s side stated that he had only received an offer and has recently confirmed his rejection. Production company Acmedia said, "Lee Jong-suk decided to work on another project first. It was not a formal rejection," but his agency, Ace Factory, confirmed, "The final rejection is accurate."

"1 Second" was introduced as part of Acmedia’s lineup in October 2022, and there were plans to produce it with a significant budget this year. While it seemed likely to be scheduled for Disney+, the delay is expected due to the failed casting of Lee Jong-suk. Moreover, Acmedia's parent company, One Asia Partners, is under suspicion for market manipulation related to its efforts to block HYBE's public acquisition of SM Entertainment by mobilizing around 110 billion won in fund assets and colluding with Kakao to manipulate stock prices. Although the chairman was arrested for capital market law violations in April and released on bail last month after three months, many expect that he will not be as aggressively involved in production as before.

[...]

A source explained, "Although the preference for OTT platforms has increased compared to terrestrial and cable channels, success is not guaranteed. Netflix series are also underperforming lately, and platforms like Disney+, Coupang Play, and TVING have their limitations. The better a previous project performs, the more cautious one must be in choosing the next one." Another source said, "Lee Jong-suk tends to negotiate a lot before finalizing contracts, which can be frustrating for production and broadcasting companies."


original post: here

1. He's honestly such a turn off 

2. I'm shocked, when I saw other communities, so many comments are saying "He's famous for acting like that"

3.  ㅋㅋ He actually sucks 

4. Because of all his personality controversies, I was so shocked that I couldn't bring myself to watch I Can Hear Your Voice for years... He's a case where his acting is good, so he keeps getting work 

5. So they couldn't redo that work with other actors...?

6. Wow... So is this real?

7. Isn't he dating IU? 
> This happened in 2018, what does it have to do with IU?

8. How did he successfully bury this? Daebak 

9. Wow I never knew about this, I'm impressed this was buried. That happened in 2018?

10. The post is is such a turn off ㅠㅠ 




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