[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.

6 Episodes Aired, Filming Up to Episode 18 – Production Team Reshoots Everything

The timing of this controversy had a massive impact on the production. 'River Where the Moon Rises' had already aired 6 episodes, and reports stated that filming for the originally planned 20 episodes was already complete up to episode 18. After Ji Soo's withdrawal, actor Na In-woo took over the role, and the production team had to reshoot all of Ji Soo's scenes.

Canvas N subsequently filed a lawsuit against KeyEast for 3 billion Korean Won (approximately 1.96 million USD or over 62 million New Taiwan Dollars), citing direct losses caused by the reshoots. The production company claimed losses including staff wages, venue and equipment fees, actor fees, art production costs, and other damages incurred due to the emergency recasting.

The first court ruling partially sided with the production company, ordering KeyEast to pay 1.42 billion Korean Won (approximately 929,000 USD or over 29 million New Taiwan Dollars). However, after an appeal, the compensation amount was reduced to 880 million Korean Won, which is now confirmed. Canvas N also appealed the second trial's decision, but it was rejected by the court.

Moves to Overseas Activities After Leaving KeyEast

Shortly after the controversy erupted, Ji Soo left KeyEast in May 2021. He subsequently completed his alternative military service as a social service agent and was discharged in 2023.

In 2024, Ji Soo again addressed the school bullying allegations, stating that he had resolved misunderstandings with the relevant individuals.

I have been able to resolve misunderstandings with the friends who brought this up, and I am slowly preparing to try acting again.

Ji Soo

However, reports indicate that his domestic comeback in Korea remains uncertain. While his entertainment career in Korea is largely on hold, Ji Soo has recently shifted his activities overseas, working as an actor and TikTok creator in the Philippines.