Rising actor Choi Woo Jin added to the cast of Yoo Yeon Seok and Chae Soo Bin's upcoming K-drama
The OTT K-drama High School Return of a Gangster is embroiled in appearance fee payment problems for its casts.
On July 1, Korea Broadcasting Actors Association revealed that N°3 PICTURES, the producer of High School Return of a Gangster as well as the production company that created the upcoming K-drama Spirit Fingers have not yet paid a total of 119 casts for their appearance fees. According to them, the two K-dramas have already finished filming since last year and their actors haven't been paid up until today. The producer of High School Return of a Gangster owes the cast over 90 million Korean won ($65,100 US Dollars) while the Spirit Fingers cast needs to be paid over 220 million Korean won ($159,180 US Dollars).
Aside from the casts, it was also reported that the staff and crew haven't been paid as well.
Korea Broadcasting Actors Association also revealed that they had a meeting with the production company last May and demanded payment but the producers refused to pay because the works are not yet airing. They also promised to pay the actors but have not fulfilled the payment until now.
The union also shared that these practices of production companies have been happening every year. Staff of the production can demand these companies and get protected by law but it's not easy for actors to get proper legal protection because they are often not considered as workers. They also shared that actors find it difficult as well to raise this issue in fear of not getting cast by other production companies.
The union plans to address this issue at upcoming press conferences and explore all options, including legal action, to ensure fair compensation for the actors.
High School Return of a Gangster recently ended last month. The K-drama aired on the OTT platforms TVING, Watcha, and Wavve.
The series was well received not only in South Korea but many International fans also enjoyed the series. Even in Mydramalist's ratings, the K-drama got 8.6.
High School Return of a Gangster revolved around a gangster who dreams of entering university. One day, he got to possess the body of a nineteen-year-old high school student. With the help of his gangster skills, he punishes the bullies and even forms new friendships.
The K-drama was led by Yoon Chan Young, Bong Jae Hyun, Lee Seo Jin, Seo Tae Hwa, Won Tae Min, Kim Se Won, and more.
