On-Set Issues Surface for Netflix Drama “When Life Gives You Tangerines”

Allegations of mistreatment and challenging working conditions have come to light for the Netflix drama When Life Gives You Tangerines. Multiple individuals who worked on the production, including extras and crew members, have shared their experiences, leading to public discussion. These claims involve issues ranging from damaged rental equipment to insufficient provisions and disrespectful treatment of staff.

The popular K-drama, which stars IU and Park Bo Gum, has been at the center of attention not only for its global popularity but also for these recent revelations about its production environment.

Allegations from Prop Company and Extras

A prop-renting company was among the first to speak out, stating that the production crew of When Life Gives You Tangerines was rude and caused damage to rented items. They detailed how the crew allegedly used lacquer to stencil buses, leading to permanent alterations to the props. The company also claimed that their staff were on set to oversee the use of retro buses and large props because the production team lacked the skills to operate them, resulting in further damage.

A representative from the prop company stated:

“Our company staff were stationed on the set to ‘facilitate’ the use of the props (we really were just there to keep an eye on them) because the production team had zero skills to operate the retro buses or large props that we rented or made for them, and they damaged them all. They were either ignorant or irresponsible. Of course, we took photos of it all and made claims later.”

The company further added:

“I still remember it. They were caught trying to use lacquer from ironwork stores to stencil the bus, and the person who did it said, ‘Can’t you just use lacquer thinner to remove it?’ He was really unrepentant about it that he ended up being cursed out so much. The ignorant brat who thought that lacquer thinner is a magic potion that could cleanly erase just only the lacquer spray went around the set acting a fool.”

Following these claims, many extras also came forward with their own accounts. They described being subjected to difficult schedules and receiving poor treatment. One extra mentioned that they were forced to shave their heads for the show, despite it being a Netflix production where one might expect better provisions.

Further allegations from extras included:

“There’s a detested, yet famous schedule amongst the extras for WLGYT too… They forced extras to shave their heads, and despite being a Netflix production, nothing was provided. They didn’t want to spend money on anyone else appearing on the show but the main actors, so they tried to scrimp and save LOL. They even neglected the elderly extras in the cold winter and made people starve without providing a food truck or craft table, throwing us to a random restaurant and telling us to eat within 30 minutes… They told us costumes would be provided, but didn’t allow us to wear insulating inner wear. They said that it would ruin the fit of the costumes, but it’s in the dead of winter. Who would even notice extras in the background? They really treated us like slaves.”

Additionally, some crew members reported long working hours without proper rest or pay. One individual claimed they were asked to drive crew members across three different cities—Jeonju, Beolgyo, and Andong—without accommodation or adequate meals, describing the experience as exploitative. They noted that for dinner, they were sometimes only given a cold burger and a can of cola, with no waiting room provided, forcing them to wait outside in freezing temperatures for hours.

Director Kim Won Seok’s Past Projects Under Scrutiny

In response to the allegations, online comments have also brought up the past reputation of the drama’s director, Kim Won Seok. Netizens have pointed out that his previous works have sometimes been linked to similar issues.

One online comment mentioned:

“Whatever that director works on, it seems like none of them are spared from bad buzz.”

Other comments included:

“Wow, the power trip goes crazy.”

“Makes me wonder where all the production funds went to.”

“The money probably went to the leads.”

“I didn’t watch it as I wasn’t particularly attracted to the leads and I’ve never watched anything by them, but the director being Kim Won Seok just makes me avoid it. I shall continue doing so in the future.”

Kim Won Seok has directed several well-known dramas, including Monstar, Sungkyunkwan Scandal, My Mister, and Misaeng. The recurring nature of these complaints has raised concerns among the public about working conditions within the South Korean entertainment industry.

Netflix Responds to Concerns

Netflix has acknowledged the allegations and stated that they are investigating the situation. A Netflix representative told the media that the company is collaborating with its Korean production partners to improve working conditions. They also stated that they are reviewing the facts to prevent similar incidents from happening again.

Netflix has emphasized its commitment to ensuring ethical production practices and better oversight of its international content partnerships. The streaming platform has said it will release an official statement after verifying all claims.

This incident has sparked a broader conversation about working standards in the South Korean entertainment industry. The allegations highlight the need for transparency and accountability in production environments, especially for large-scale projects like When Life Gives You Tangerines, which reportedly has a budget of 60 billion Korean Won (approximately USD 43.65 million). Many are questioning how such conditions could occur despite a significant investment.

The various accounts from crew members and extras point to systemic issues that require careful attention to ensure the well-being of everyone involved in a production. This situation underscores the importance of fair treatment and proper provisions for all individuals contributing to a drama’s creation.

The current situation calls for thorough verification of all claims and a firm commitment to improving working conditions across the industry.

Source: theqoo

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