Poor HYS... Sounds like she is going through a burn out. :(

Some actors/actresses will kill themselves over a drama. Like Binnie only sleeping two hours a day to film secret garden. Or the cast of BBF, they were suffering too. They shot scenes in the cold and had to act with ice in there mouth. GHS was in an accident and they had to halt production for a day or two. Getting a drama is like a once in a lifetime chance but I'm sure that HYS was in a position where she had to do it for her sanity.

Remeber, no matter how thin you slice it, there is still two sides.

i don't want to hate her, but deprive us addicts of this great drama is so cruel ! i'm reaaaaaaaaaaally disappointed, it seems so difficult to me that the story doesn't suffer of all that..

It takes 2 to tango (Thank you Scent of a Woman for the demonstration). And there are 2 people in a relationship. We haven't heard her side. I withhold judgment.

Lol, it amuses me that fans are defending her, i think that people shouldn't bash her, but idk about making it seem like she's standing up for something.

at the end of the day, SHE'S RUNNING AWAY. as K-drama addicts i think we should all know by now that running away is not a good thing.

I'm very upset with her, if she was so busy why pick up another drama? If she was just messing with her own business, i would say, whatever let her be. but she's ruining it for EVERYONE.

I understand that these kinds of shoots tend to be hectic, but she should learn to compromise. i heard Eric had to pick up a bunch more scenes to make up for the ones she refused to film.

Eric is just a busy as she is, and it angers me that while he's working his ass off, she just decides to drop everything and leave.

She's not even standing for anything, because in order to do that, she has to have a STAND. she's had opportunities to come out and say "they did this and that" but she didn't.

anyways, i'm disappointed in her and i hope they can all reach an agreement soon.

Han Ye Seul to Return to Korea and Rejoin "Myung Wol the Spy" Crew

by: thunderstix on Aug 16, 2011

Han Ye Seul to Return to Korea and Rejoin “Myung Wol the Spy” Crew

In a strange turn of events, Han Ye Seul has expressed her intention to return to the cast of KBS drama "Myung Wol the Spy" today, just hours after landing in Los Angeles in an apparent move to withdraw from the show.

In a press release just moments ago, Han Ye Seul's agency said, "We would like to apologize for coming to you with such shameful news. Both Han Ye Seul and her agency sidusHQ feels responsible for the whole controversy. Han Ye Seul has been extremely tired both mentally and physically with her busy filming schedule, and that has clouded her judgments at the time. We are sincerely sorry for causing extreme damage to so many people. We will do our best to have her return to Korea and resume filming as soon as possible, and we'll make sure to do our best until the end of the show. Once again, we would like to express our sincere apologies to everyone involved in this issue."

Multiple local reports have also confirmed Han Ye Seul's return to Korea. The production crew of "Myung Wol the Spy" was quoted as saying, "On August 16th, Han Ye Seul has expressed her intention to return to Korea and rejoin the show. But the production team is undecided on whether they would accept her back at this point." Also, an official close to the producers said, "Han Ye Seul, who arrived in LA earlier today, told her representative that she would return to Korea as soon as she buys the flight ticket."

KBS, on the other hand, has not made any decisions regarding her comeback to the filming crew. Ko Young Tak, the head of KBS's Drama Department, said at a press conference today, "Only if she (Han Ye Seul) returns in time and doesn't delay of the production of episode 12 airing next Monday, we will discuss the matter with the production team and decide then."

If Han Ye Seul does return to the cast, it seems likely "Myung Wol the Spy" will be able to resume airing soon. KBS had raised the possibility of replacing Han Ye Seul to another actress and it was inevitable to tweak the storyline a little bit. They also said they would take proper legal action to file a lawsuit against the star actress.

Earlier today, Han Ye Seul was spotted at the LAX Airport in Los Angeles where she told local media, "I gave up everything. The working environment was just too hard for me." She said the poor working environment and differences between her and the production crew had caused the entire dispute and hinted at the possibility of even ending her celebrity career in Korea. Due to her sudden departure, "Myung Wol the Spy" was not able to air on Monday and instead showed a condensed highlight show titled "Myung Wol the Spy Special."

I just want to say whatever the reasons actress Han Ye-seul has, Her action is not professional. If I were her, I would have JUST finish my drama, and then retire (As an example.)

Yeesh, we are a vicious bunch, aren't we?

The more I read about this clusterfuck, the more I realize that I have no clue what is going on. What I do know, is that something had to be really, really wrong for Han Ye-seul to just up-and-leave the way she did. The problem could have been with the script, with the PDs, with the entire process, or it could have been all in her head (mental breakdown). But whatever it was, it was bad.

What she did wasn't professional. There no way one can claim it to be so, whatever her reasons, but it's the very extreme nature of her action that gives me pause and makes me hesitant to lay blame on her. First of all, we still haven't heard her side of the story. Like JB says, we probably never will. But just think about what she did. She has basically thrown away her career, her image, her financial security, her good name and everything else, because she couldn't take it anymore. That in and of itself tells us that something was rotten in the state of Denmark.

Do I think that when she was making the decision to leave, she was doing it to change the industry? Nope. I think she was leaving because just she couldn't take it anymore, for whatever reason, but what she did got her situation noticed. She has drawn attention to the inhumane (yes, inhumane) live-shoot system. It has been mentioned before. Actors have a higher-than-average rate of depression. Suicide is rampant. People often survive on two hours of sleep during a live-shoot. A lack of sleep is a fantastic way to get yourself killed. People have been in accidents, have broken ribs, have fractured faces, have shattered bones, and have shown up to work the next day. I don't think it makes the actors admirable. I think it makes the system stupid as fuck. I don't think every other actor is inherently hardworking and selfless. I do think they're afraid to ruin their images and ruin their livelihoods. And if this foolishness doesn't stop soon, SOMEBODY IS GOING TO DIE.

I've been thinking on what her alternatives were. Request a lighter shooting schedule? She did that. Request changes in the script? She did that. And she still ended up having her contract violated and working herself to the bone. Yes, everyone else on the set did too, but that makes it even worse in my eyes. My own enjoyment of a product does not justify the working conditions endured by cast and crew. I dont' need anything that much. I'll read a friggin' book. No one should have to go through that. Some commenters have said that she should have finished the drama and then campaigned for actors' rights. What would that have done? More famous actors than she have been enslaved to the live-shoot system, and they haven't been able to change anything about it.
Park Jin-hee from The Woman Who Still Wants to Marry wrote a master's thesis on depression and suicide among actors, citing working conditions as one of the many ingredients in a stew of misery. Nothing. No one would have listened to Han Ye-seul once they didn't need her anymore. But now, EVERYONE is taking notice. People are arguing, discussing, gazing at everything critically, and that can only be for the good.

The next time an actor demands better working hours in their contract, people will take a closer look, even if change isn't immediate.

So, no, I don't think she should have just left like that, forgoing her obligations and messing things up for everyone else. But I don't have any ideas on what else she could have done. Only she can know what she was going through. I don't think anyone would risk what she did on a whim. Hopefully she recovers, and hopefully the industry gets better for everyone else. Maybe she'll be able to go back and everyone can work together to make things right. But she got our attention. I can at least thank her for that.

omg episode 11 is out???????????

I don't think we will ever know the full story of what went on, and I think its common knowledge that SK actors are asked to adhear to outragous schedules and working conditions while filming dramas.

That being said I am overjoyed that she is comimg back and HMW has become one of my favorate characters. I fully support HYS, understanding the enormous pressures she was probably under -Fighting! Bottom line she is only human

If you want to see something watch scenes from "Dream High" . In a lot of the inside scenes you can see the actors and actresses breath. Thats means that the heat wasn't on in the sets where they were working. Think about that!

she must be a good reason why she did it? maybe she is really sick or something and needs to rest. Anyway, i don't know what will happen now to her career. I noticed that ther projects are far in between, maybe she has another job in LA?

As there has never been any complaints about HYS's professionalism, I am inclined to think that the Korean production companies have so much power that they have been able to pretty much "have their cake and eat it too". Actors that want to keep on being considered for projects probably had better not rock the boat, even if they are right. I have read quite a few descriptions of filming schedule for kdramas on this website and wonder how they do it! I would be uncooperative if it came to having to be satisfied with only 2 hours of sleep! Why aren't they filmed and in the can BEFORE they are broadcast? I would really like to know...sounds like it would be possible, I just wonder why these same shooting schedule problems keep arising.

I hope the matter gets resolved soon, otherwise this is just going to hurt everyone involved even more, especially HYS. Still, hopefully its repercussions will cause a rethinking of liveshoots - does anyone know what the general sentiment is towards them in Korea? I would have thought that fans would be outraged over the exhaustion of their beloved X, is that not the case?

Also, has anyone seen episode 16 yet? Goodness knows how they managed to make an episode out of what they had - is it a miracle of editing or just a weird hodgepodge?

If the woman feels the work will continue to threaten her health then let her go, and let us all be humane on the topic if not more civil.

It's really unbelievable, that Han Ye Sul would act like that, she really looked like a fine and responsible actress. And I really enjoyed her character in "will it snow for christmas". But now I see that she's quite irresponsibe. Well I don't want to throw dirt at her, because stars do a lot worse and much more irresposible things than this. I didn't like the drama in the first place, it was getting kinda boring, and with this scandal I guess I'll have to really give it up. Well, I really wish the producers and director of the drama best luck in finding a solution ♥

i must be crazy but I am actually expecting to see the cast reactions in episode 11. I know it won't happen but I will probably unconsciously follow their face expressions more. as for what Han did I believe that because of her physical and mental exhaustion she may had one of those moments of folly that sometimes happen in one's life. but I started to dislike her the when I heard she left for the States. If she comes back I wonder how will the actors be able to hide all the accumulated tension.

http://www.allkpop.com/2011/08/han-ye-seul-will-return-to-set-on-the-17th ANDDDD WE'RE BACK IN THE GAME!!
Though I don't know how she'll continue working against all the antagonism on the set now

I think I'm going to go back to watching dramas once they've completed their run. Too many are having hang-ups and issues mid-stream, and it's really frustrating. I'll just wait until the whole thing is finished and then watch all the way through.

What is a CP?

http://www.allkpop.com/2011/08/han-ye-seul-will-return-to-set-on-the-17th YES !!!

I hope HYS hires a better representative making her defensive statements in the future, coz they sound kinda .. well .. dim? " “Han Ye Seul is very overwhelmed because she had no idea that the problem would grow this big in Korea.”
I mean .. Dudeeeee! Seriously?

hahahha...someone had noticed 1st ^^ yes we are back in the game. or maybe that was juz some kick in to boost the rating that drop soooo....low

I'm surprised at the way a lot of people here are eagerly strapping on armor to join in the witch hunt. We don't know and probably will never know the entire story and by "entire" I'm including Han Ye-seul's side of the story. Yes, she behaved irresponsibly but how many of you can honestly say you haven't skipped out on a work shift because you felt you were being treated unfairly? Because of unforeseen personal issues? How many of you can honestly say you've never flipped your boss and coworkers the bird for too long hours, stressful environment and who knows how many other injustices? I know I can't. I remember skipping out on a job in a retail store as a teenager because they had me on my knees for eight hours sorting and re-sorting jeans in 100 degree weather.

Yes, she should've known what to expect in filming a drama in the Korean Entertainment industry but people have their breaking points. She obviously reached hers. I'm not defending her actions; she put not only her career but the career of others at risk. For that, knowing what little I do about Kdrama-land, there'll be much drama for that. But I'm not going to condemn her either. This world isn't so black and white for me to raise my pitchfork and start yelling, "bitch you such a diva! Stop trifling and get you' ass back to work!" Because I know what it's like to feel backed into a corner, trapped with no place to go.

In the end, I hope this situation is fixed. I feel bad for Eric especially because this was his comeback drama and ratings weren't doing so good. I feel bad for HYS because she's obviously made a HUGE mistake with her career (if she has one left after this fiasco! aye aye). I feel bad for peeps like me who were enjoying the drama and now can't because of situations like these. But it doesn't change the fact that 1. this is none of my business and 2. I don't know the entire story. So there's no need for me to get all hot and bothered over "unprofessional divas" and whatnot.

I can understand fans being upset over the situation but some of ya'll are way to bothered over something that shouldn't really affect you all that much. If the drama doesn't air does that mean you'll go bankrupt? Does it mean you'll not eat or sleep or enjoy your life? Ladies (and gents wherever you are) c'mon, life's too short and beautiful for us to be attacking people--especially not over the internet. Nah, it's all good. Plus I'm sure we'll see Eric's sexy (rawr!) body in another drama soon enough (if not there's always google images) ho ho ho...>:3

I thought she was really cute in this drama. i really liked it when she was like...i can try acting. here is my happy face. here is my sad face. hahaha. cracked me up!! She has the most perfect clueless facial expression when it comes to love and what she is supposed to feel. I am curious to how the plot will play out.

I've experienced working in an environment where you're physically and mentally exhausted not because of the work (I loved the nature of my work and felt sad to leave it) but because of other reasons: working hours, management, stress because you feel you're being taken for granted/being used, being forced to go to work even if you're sick, and other small stuff that adds to the pressure. How could you do your best in an environment like that? When it all adds up, and you feel you can't breathe anymore, and you've got to force yourself out of bed just to go to work, then it's time to go. I left the company and never regretted my decision.

So I sympathize for HYS if she felt some of the things I did and really felt leaving was the only way. In a big company, even if you tell them your problems/grievances, it's rare for them to take action or make compromises (it takes months for any action to be done). The bottom line for them is almost always money. It's business, not personal so the employees either have to suck it up or leave.

Not quite sure if HYS' really coming back to film the rest of the episodes, but I hope that KBS does some changes and not make it any harder for her than she has to. Netizens can just be really hateful and irrational (have they not learned anything from Best Love?). Hope the cast and staff can be understanding and not ostracize her too. Would it hurt for KBS to compromise and stick to the contract? Some comments say that HYS has been unprofessional (technically, yes she has been), then I would have to say that KBS has been unprofessional too. They could've just kept quiet about this and worked things out with her before issuing all these statements that I feel made it worse for everyone involved.

Because of this I have a new appreciation for the actors/idols. They're sacrificing a lot of things just so audiences like me would enjoy their drama, film, show, or music. So I don't begrudge anyone who leaves their shows or their agencies because they're sacrificing a lot too to do that. If they leave, let them. They've got a right to feel free too. I'd rather they choose that than suicide.

Hancinema mentions she's returning by 18 Aug 11.

On a positive note, this fiasco has:
1) increase public interest on SMW, which might equate to higher ratings for the rest of the episodes
2) draw away negativities previously mounting on Poiseden

Still heart the drama & main cast.. =)

I doubt that she made the decision to go to LA on a whim and I assumed that once she had left the country she was never going to return. In an American TV series the lead actress would probably not be allowed back on set after this and would be replaced. But obviously, Korea is not America, and they would rather have their leading actress back than a replacement.

My problem is, if she was planning to not return, what on earth did they threaten her with that was so bad that her resolve was shaken just like that? Was it the lawsuits, and that she had no idea how big they would really become or for how much money? That seems awful.

But the end result of all this is that with a flight to the US and back to Korea in like two days she has gotten the opposite of what she wished for, which was rest. Flights are very tiring and the LA to Seoul flight is VERY long so I feel as though she was able to spend only a few hours before she had to book a return flight... And with all the stress of this scandal she will still be very tired for future filming.

I just feel bad, what she wanted to get the most she didn't get. Now she'll probably be even more tired. :(

I only feel sorry for the staff! I don't understand what's going on and why ran away but still what she did was stupid -.-!

hey everyone! looks like she's coming back to korea and will finish the drama afterall.

http://www.allkpop.com/2011/08/han-ye-seul-will-return-to-set-on-the-17th

Just finished watching episode 11, and boy, oh, boy, I'm gonna be a lot sadder than if they just stopped at 10. Can't wait for DB's recaps later today. The episode tugged at my heartstrings real bad. If HYS doesn't wish to do the rest of the episodes, that'll be fine with me, but Myung-wol will not be the same without her. So I'm hoping for the best for all concerned. I'd like to see the story to its conclusion though even if they go with a different actress.

they should drop the drama and make just make a documentary ABOUT the drama. I bet they revive their low ratings within 1 episode. Ke.

Honestly this drama is not that great to begin with. Cant comprehend why people are fussing over this.

Most of the acting is over the top. the story is weak. IF she leaves so be it bring in a stronger actress.

people are fusing because HYS in any role is very easy to fall in love with and a lot of peop-le have fallen forH MY

she will return !!

What is episode 11 about for those who have seen it? Is she in some of the scenes? At work currently, dying of curiosity to go home and download so I can watch it!!!

I enjoy watching the drama! it sucks that her career will be in a turmoil--even more now! but you know humans can only take so much! and especially when you're a busy person, you only have 24 hours in a day and you have to remember to rest! You can't pull 24 hour jobs every day and expect never to make a mistake or want to escape!

I don't understand the entertainment business in Korea. I think the industry needs to change and that won't happen unless more actors and actresses start speaking up. Hell even the crew! It doesn't seem right the hours they put through.

I don't know the whole story and what's really true. Because really what entertainment company would say anything that would make them look bad... answer, none. Take everything they say with a grain of salt.

As for why dramas aren't filmed before they are broadcast, they sometimes are, but that causes its own slew of problems. (Just search for "Birdie Buddy" and "What's Up" here on dramabeans).

The underlying problem here seems to be the validity of contracts, though. The broadcasting stations have too much power and the drama production ones, not to mention the individual actors, have way too little.

The way I see it, drama production companies should make a sound contract with the broadcasting stations before anything is filmed -- the drama they are producing will be aired no matter what, barring any unforeseen circumstances -- and then the drama is shot up to at least episode 8 before the broadcasting hooblabaloo begins (or even in its entirety), which in turn affords the entire production much more of a buffer and the actors, PDs, stuntmen etc. some well-deserved sleep.

I have no idea why things aren't done this way in kdramaland. Pre-shooting dramas leads to 'Birdie Buddy' disasters because of the fickleness of broadcasting stations, and live-shooting leads to, well, leads to things like this. Plus accidents, exhaustion, a noticeable decrease in quality near the end because of course writers are not going to be able to write appealing and original stories when the production is screaming at them to finish an entire episode's script in a few days.

Things like what happened to HYS could also have been avoided if only her stipulations like the 5-day work week had been in a formal contract, not agreed to orally like they likely were, only to subsequently be ignored.

I think the legal landscape of drama production needs to change. If Han Ye Seul (or any other actor) only wants to work so-and-so many hours, she should be able to postulate such in a legally-binding contract, and whoever casts her should think if the drama can be shot taking these restrictions into account before signing it. And if they can't, they should either work something out with the actor demanding lesser work load, or cast someone else who is willing to work weekends and overtime.

The show must go on, true, but it seems to me like both the drama production companies and the actors are in serious need of more legal rights.

I'd like her to come back and just finish the darn drama. I didn't watch 10 freaking episodes for this. Why would someone do this? Was it really that bad on set?
At the same time, this whole debacle is quite hilarious bc Han Ye-seul decides she doesn't want to act anymore and leaves Korea. That would be funny if Myung-wol actually decides that acting's not for her and decides to head back to NK. And Eric/Kang-woo's gonna be all "WTF is going on here? Why is this happening to me?? I'm a Hallyu star, dammit!" lol I can't help but blur the lines between reality and drama. That's show biz for ya...

My new theory is that this was a stunt by the staff of dramafever. Clearly javabeans and girlfriday kidnapped Han Ye Seul to drive up site traffic! And it worked, what with over 500 comments in the last two days on SMW news stories.

While I don't agree with S. Korea's excruciating filming schedules and work conditions, I must side with KBS on this issue. I think I would have expected this from someone who is new to the industry but for someone that's been in the industry for more than 10 years, her actions were very unprofessional.

I believe there were other alternatives to take then just bailing out on everyone. Whether or not she had issues with the script or the director, it should have been resolved after the drama so she can sue for breach of contract. To leave the country and the entire crew hanging, is so unprofessional that I doubt her career will flow as smooth especially with the lawsuits pending already from all sides. Time might be able to heal the damage she did, but it would forever haunt her reputation as a professional actress.

I feel so bad for the other actors that have been putting their best to this drama because she isn't the only that's being impacted by the schedules and any changes on the set. If they can endure, why can't she as well? This was pure selfishness and success going to her head. I wish her the best as she returns because no matter what the damage has already been done.

Part of me wishes that when Han Ye Seul comes back she gives the best damn reason, and then everyone who's been hating and on the "witchhunt" can bite their foot in the mouth, and I'll be like, "HAH! I TOLD YOU SO. SUCK THAT."

But honestly, I feel for her. I would break down and visit my family too. A whole nation, your company, agency, netizens, EVERYONE pitied against you.. hell, what would you do? Sometimes a lot of things are easier said than done.

Sometimes I think everyone forgets that she is human too - professional or not.

I haven't seen the show... don't know who she is and don't know all the details. Pretty sure that she has her reason for what she is doing. Its her life and her actions has affected many peoples lives. But as views, it only affected our "wasted" time that we devote to our addictions of K-Dramas. We have no place in calling her names or assuming that she owe us anything.

I remember when John Ritter died and the writer had to write something up for the show. According to all the news about the show it seemed that she was killed in the show, since this has happen, if I was in charge I would simply change the direction of the show and refocus it. Have her killed off because seriously, no punted intended, if an actor was to have died how would the production go on. KBS should treat this as such and just deal with it instead of going into a childish blaming game. Thats what I would do if I was in charge. I would fix the problem with the drama and then deal with the actor who left. It seem like she isnt coming back so there is no point in waiting for that to happen if I was so worry about how to keep the production going.

Han Ye-seul is getting married to a rich guy so she doesn't care what happens. No surprise she was born and raised in LA.

What I find interesting is that this was NOT the first time that the issue of an actor/actress being "overworked" has ever been raised. But I find it equally interesting that although most people knew about the overworked conditions of most actors/actresses for quite some time now, we, the public continued to watch and support and be obsessed about our favorite Kdramas but DIDN'T raise this as a serious issue until one actress decided to up and leave the production mid-way.

As HYS said at the L. A. airport that she "left everything behind" when she left for the U.S., she also reportedly said that she was "dumbfounded" to realize that her actions caused such a commotion back in Korea. WTF? She didn't realize that leaving midway would cause a commotion? Is this a reasonable way to defend one's actions? If one supposed that she left to "make a stand", why wouldn't she realize that the aftermath would be huge? Maybe she DID break down mentally. That's the only reason I can come up with for her unreasonableness.

Just some thoughts 'bout Lee Kim Production; it's the same company which:

- aligned the 3 broadcasting stations to ban Park Shin Yang in 2009 when it signed a contract with Park and refused to pay up afterwards - today we know this Production company has lost twice and was ruled by court to pay up

- sued Go Hyun Jung for Daemul's shooting schedule conflict; Go counter-sued the Production company; somehow they made out and hence there's Daemul

- lost a director and added (read: replaced) a writer during the shooting of Daemul

- had actor Jung Il Woo expressed confusion over the character in My Fair Lady; this drama had a "choppy" ending as well

It takes an enormous amount of courage to quit, like that. It takes even more courage to hold one's tongue when s/he's under fire.

I have pity on those who are pressured to badmouth Han against their conscious but have to comply.

You know how easy it is for the powerful to badmouth an individual and to "bury" someone. Please don't be used.

i hate her even more after knowing she came back to film after all chaos she cause!!! n she said she didn't know it would cause such a big news in korea!! oh well girl u underestimated internet is it?
you didnt' learn from the drama you are filming? u didnt' know the power of hanlluya star?

oh well... just come back to film then SUE her later!! i mean she can't get out of it right?
wonder how the korean view about her?