The ongoing series 'The Midnight Romance in Hagwon', starring Wi Ha Joon and Jung Ryeo Won, has faced significant criticism from netizens following a scene involving drinking and driving. The production team responded promptly by deleting the controversial clips and issuing an apology.
On May 21, the production team of tvN's Saturday-Sunday drama informed Herald POP, "We became aware of the issue immediately after the broadcast, and a revised version of the scene has been updated in the VOD service and for rebroadcasts." They added, "We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused to viewers by this oversight. We will strive to produce higher quality content in the future."
The episode in question, which aired on the afternoon of May 19, featured Seo Hye Jin (played by Jeong Ryeo Won) drinking with Nam Cheong Mi (played by So Joo Yeon). Following the drinking session, Seo Hye Jin returned to the academy to prepare for a lecture with Lee Jun Ho (played by Wi Ha Joon) and then drove him to her house. The sequence, taking place over a few hours, implied that Seo Hye Jin might have driven while under the influence, sparking controversy among viewers.
Initially, the production team responded by removing Seo Hye Jin's
drinking scene from VOD replays and clip scenes but did not issue an
immediate apology, which led to further backlash.
'The Midnight Romance in Hagwon' follows the story of Lee Joon Ho, who returns to the academy where he once studied after leaving a major company position. Now an instructor, his return is motivated by an unresolved fixation on his first love, Seo Hye Jin, who is now an academy teacher.
Seo Hye Jin has been a dedicated Korean language instructor for fourteen years, achieving fame following a legendary incident known as the Miracle of Daechi. Her life, reflecting years of hard work and dedication, is disrupted when Lee Joon Ho, a former pupil she helped gain admission to a prestigious university ten years ago, reappears. Known for being a troublemaker during his school days, his return stirs up memories and chaos.
Lee Joon Ho's presence challenges Seo Hye Jin's sense of order and stability, reigniting old feelings and forcing them both to confront their pasts. As they navigate their new professional relationship, they must also deal with the impact of their shared history and the complications it brings to their present lives.
Despite the controversy, the production team has pledged to ensure higher quality content moving forward, addressing the concerns raised by the viewers and aiming to prevent similar issues in future episodes.
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