Reports indicate that the ongoing controversy surrounding the drama Ha Young and Theres A Winning Chance, which stars Ha Young alongside Lee Jehoon, has escalated emotionally. Online accounts suggest Ha Young became visibly distressed, crying during filming and requiring a significant break before production could continue. Further fueling speculation about a strained set environment, her birthday on August 11th was reportedly marked without any on-set festivities.
The question of replacing the lead actress arises, but the production is reportedly about 90% finished. Such a change at this juncture is said to carry a potential cost of billions of won.
The timing of these events presents further challenges. With the drama slated for a February 2027 release, close to the March 1st Korean Independence Movement commemoration, and being a remake of the Japanese series Legal V, the situation is complicated by Ha Young's own controversy regarding alleged pro-Japanese ancestry. This confluence of factors has placed the production in a highly delicate position.
The repercussions of the controversy appear to have spread beyond the drama itself. Advertisements featuring Ha Young have reportedly been made private, and some previously broadcast content has been removed or withdrawn from circulation.
While some may empathize with the actress's emotional strain from the ongoing issues, the subject matter is particularly sensitive in South Korea, given the profound historical and cultural significance attached to discussions of Japanese colonial history.
With filming nearing completion, the production team now faces a formidable and complex path forward.
