[Hefty Price Tag] Ji Soo's Bullying Scandal Forces Drama Reshoots, Ex-Agency to Pay ₩880 Million

Actor Ji Soo became embroiled in a school bullying controversy in 2021, leading to his withdrawal from the KBS2 K-drama 'River Where the Moon Rises.' This forced the production team to urgently recast his role and reshoot scenes. According to reports on July 6th, his former agency, KeyEast, has been officially ordered to compensate the drama's production company with 880 million Korean Won, which is approximately 576,000 USD or over 18 million New Taiwan Dollars.

KeyEast Withdraws Appeal, Second Trial Compensation Amount Confirmed

Reports indicate that KeyEast submitted a notice to withdraw its appeal to the Supreme Court on June 24th, thereby finalizing the second trial's ruling. This means the court's decision requiring KeyEast to compensate Canvas N, the production company of 'River Where the Moon Rises' (formerly Victory Contents), is now officially set in stone.

Ji Soo was originally cast as the male lead, On Dal, in 'River Where the Moon Rises.' However, in March 2021, accusations surfaced online alleging his involvement in school violence during his student days, including bullying, assault, threats, verbal abuse, and humiliation. At the time, Ji Soo posted a handwritten apology on social media, admitting to some of the allegations and subsequently withdrawing from the drama.