The production company behind the upcoming Disney+ series Delusion starring Bae Suzy and Kim Seon Ho has been fined 1 million won (approximately $722) for illegally dumping waste during filming in Jeju. Jeju City authorities imposed the fine on September 17, 2025, after determining the violation of South Korea’s Waste Management Act. The incident sparked public outrage when photos and videos of trash left in a natural forest area were shared online, leading to an official apology from the production company Showbox.
Waste Dumping Incident and Public Discovery
The controversy began on August 28, 2025, when a social media user posted photos and videos showing bags of garbage, plastic bottles, custom coffee cup holders featuring Kim Seon Ho’s face, and butane gas canisters scattered throughout a forest on Jeju’s Oreum hills. The netizen expressed frustration, suggesting the trash came from a drama production and included items from fan-supported coffee trucks. The coffee cup sleeves with Kim Seon Ho’s image quickly helped internet users identify the production as Delusion.
“They shot a drama and left the trash in the forest.. sigh, even the coffee holders fans sent… Do the fans know?? Things from drama filming are left in the forest like this.. I really have no words.”
The post went viral and drew significant criticism from the public, who condemned the production for disrespecting Jeju’s natural environment. The location was confirmed to be a filming site for the Disney+ series, which was in production at the time.
Official Response and Fine Imposition
Following the online backlash, the Aewol-eup Office in Jeju City launched an investigation. On September 17, 2025, they issued a formal response through the national Civil Complaints Portal, confirming a fine of 1 million won would be imposed on Showbox, the production company behind Delusion. The penalty was levied under Article 68 of the Waste Management Act and its Enforcement Decree, specifically targeting illegal dumping of business-related waste.
Authorities noted that butane gas canisters were found among the discarded items but clarified that no fines were applied for these because there was no evidence they had been used to start fires. Jeju City explained that regulations regarding flammable materials only apply during officially designated forest fire prevention periods, making additional penalties impossible in this case.
“Although the site where the issue occurred is not national forest land, in the future, when granting filming cooperation within national forests under the jurisdiction of the Korea Forest Service, we will strengthen conditions for cooperation and strictly verify whether restoration to the original state has been carried out once the cooperation period ends.”
Jeju City also pledged to strengthen monitoring against illegal dumping and enhance wildfire prevention activities. They mentioned that actors involved would be cautioned as part of measures to prevent future incidents.
Production Company’s Apology and Cleanup
Showbox, the production company, issued an official apology shortly after the incident gained attention online. They explained that filming had ended late at night, and darkness had prevented them from conducting a proper cleanup. The company stated that once they became aware of the situation, they immediately returned to the site, collected all waste, and apologized to local authorities and the community.
“Because filming ended late and it was dark, we were unable to thoroughly clean up the site. Once we became aware of the situation, we apologized and asked for understanding from the filming set and related authorities, and immediately cleaned up the trash. Currently, everything has been cleaned up. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by our inability to clean properly after filming. We will be more thorough and cautious in the future.”
The production team emphasized that the area had been fully restored and promised to implement stricter cleanup protocols for all future filming activities.
About the Drama Delusion
Delusion (also known as Hyeonhok) is an upcoming romantic fantasy series based on a popular webtoon by Hongjacga. Directed by Han Jae-rim, known for films like The Face Reader and The King, the drama is set in 1935 Gyeongseong (the colonial-era name for Seoul). The story follows painter Yoon Yi-ho (played by Kim Seon-ho), who is commissioned to paint a portrait of a mysterious woman, Song Jeong-hwa (played by Bae Suzy). As he works, he uncovers dark secrets about her and discovers that previous artists who attempted her portrait never left her home alive or in sound mental condition.
The series features a budget of approximately 45 billion won and is produced by Showbox and Magnum Nine. It is scheduled for release on Disney+ in 2026. This project marks a reunion for Bae Suzy and Kim Seon-ho, who previously worked together in the 2020 drama Start-Up.
Source (1)
![Suzy Stuns in Ballet Attire; Fans Go Wild Over Her Graceful Poses and Upcoming Projects [SEE PICS]](https://vviptimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/suzy-300x157.webp "Suzy Stuns in Ballet Attire; Fans Go Wild Over Her Graceful Poses and Upcoming Projects [SEE PICS]")
