At the height of the controversy involving Bae Suzy's drama "Anna," Coupang Play responded to the allegations of director Lee Joo Young.After garnering massive praise from viewers and media outlets, "Anna" is creating a buzz after the PD and screenwriter reveal bombshell news regarding the series. Keep on reading for all the details.
Released on June 24, the thriller drama series is among the highly anticipated K-drama since it features the Hallyu star as one of the main characters, playing the dual role of Lee Yoo Mi and Anna Lee.
'Anna' Controversy: Coupang Play Responds to Director Lee Joo Young's Claims
After expressing her disappointment with Coupang Play for "tampering" the K-drama without her permission, the OTT service responded to her claims.
In a report cited by Newsen, representatives of the platform clapped back at claims regarding editorial rights.
Coupang Play pointed out that Lee Joo Young's editing direction differed from what they and the production company had agreed upon.
"We found out that director Lee Joo Young's editing direction is significantly different from the direction mutually agreed upon between Coupang Play, the director, and the production company (content map)," a representative mentioned. They added that the PD declined to modify it according to their plan.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: 'Anna' Director Wants Public Apology From Coupang Play - Here's Why
In addition, Coupang Play also mentioned that they have approval from the production company before trimming the ten episodes to six.
"With the consent of the production company and in accordance with our rights stipulated in the contract, we edited the work to match the original production intent," the OTT service explained.
Coupang Play highlighted that the result "received great reviews from viewers."
'Anna' Director Lee Joo Young to File Lawsuit Against Coupang Play
Before Coupang Play's statement regarding the "Anna" controversy, Director Lee Joo Young released a statement through a law firm noting that she plans to take legal actions against the OTT service.
She claimed that the company tampered with her work by not informing her that they would edit out some of the parts and release a six-part episode instead.
As for the director, she explained that this action has "destroyed the series to a point where I can no longer accept it as the same work I have created."
Moreover, the PD and screenwriter "cannot tolerate anymore as a creator of the original piece" and wanted a public apology from Coupang Play.
On the other hand, "Anna" editorial director Kim Jung Hoon expressed support for the director and said he is hopeful for the eight-part episode to be released, but it was trimmed down to six.
"The trust of director Lee Joo-young and the staff was terribly broken," the editorial director said on social media as obtained by an outlet.
In addition, he also cited that they have "never received a paper containing Coupang's opinions related to editing," adding that Bae Suzy's drama "Anna" "was made secretly and unilaterally by someone" and have excluded the effort made by the creators and staff.
Before the issue was exposed, Coupang Play announced that "Anna" would return with an extended version to be released in August. However, the Director's Cut will be made public as soon as the Judicial Review is completed.
READ MORE: Bae Suzy's New Drama 'Anna' Criticized for THIS Reason
KDramastars owns this article.
Written by Geca Wills
