Coupang Play updated viewers with the release of the 8-episode director's cut of "Anna" starring Bae Suzy. The news comes after the controversy involving the OTT platform and director Lee Joo Young.
Coupang Play Announces Release of 8-Episode Director's Cut of 'Anna'
According to a media outlet, the network announced the news on Coupang Play's official social media stating that "The director's eight-episode version of "Anna" will be released. See you on Coupang Play on August 12th at 8 PM."
The series stars Bae Suzy as Lee Yo Mi, who suffers from Ripley's Syndrome to cope with her disorder, she starts creating her alter ego named Anna Lee but gets caught up in her own lies.
In "Anna" viewers get to see the antagonist played by Jung Eun Chae as she portrays the role of Lee Hyun Joo, Lee Yoo Mi's boss and a woman who has everything.
The story also featured Lee Yoo Mi's ambitious husband, Choi Ji Hoon, played by Kim Joon Han from "Hospital Playlist."
Another significant character in "Anna" is Han Ji Won, played by Park Ye Young, who turned out to be Lee Yoo Mi's best friend and someone who knew everything about her secrets.
READ MORE: Bae Suzy on Getting Praised 'for the First Time' Playing Dual Role in 'Anna'
It can be recalled that the thriller drama, which premiered on June 24, released only six episodes instead of eight.
With this, director Lee Joo Young issued a statement pointing out that the edited version of the series is without her consent.
'Anna' Controversy: Director Accused Coupang Play of Making Major Edits Without her Approval
In a report obtained by Korea Joongang Daily, the director of "Anna" made a statement through her legal team, noting that they neglected her after Coupang Play released the 6-part version without her knowledge.
"Coupang Play excluded me as the director and unilaterally edited "Anna" and released it to the public," the director said through her law firm Siwoo.
In addition, Lee Joo Young also pointed out that not just the length of her work was "tampered" but also "the structure and order of the scenes which interfered with the show's narrative, filming, editing and intention" noting that the edited version is different and "unrecognizable" from her work.
Adding to her statement, the "Anna" director wants a public apology from Coupang Play and mentioned that she wanted her name to deleted in the six-part episode version.
Lastly, she warned the OTT platform that she would seek legal action if Coupang Play continues to ignore her requests.
Coupang Play Responds to Director Lee Joo Young's Claims
In the wake of the "Anna" controversy, the network responded to the allegation and explained that they have "supported and trusted the director and production staff" since day one of the filmings.
Unfortunately, due to miscommunication, the network "learned that the editing did not reflect the direction originally agreed upon by Coupang Play, the director and production company."
In a statement, Coupang Play cited that they planned on releasing "all eight episodes of Anna in a director's cut version in August" as respect to the filmmaker.
