Yeo Jin-gu dealt a blow by Fist Fighting

92 April 10, 2014April 10, 2014

by awcoconuts

I feel really bad for Yeo Jin-gu (Potato Star 2013QR3, Hwa-yi) – he’s been let go from the blockbuster production Fist Fighting, and his reps are hopping mad. The movie, a futuristic martial arts thriller which will be written and helmed by director Park Kwang-hyun (Welcome to Dongmakgol), has been mired in issues since we first heard about it in 2011 – it was to have been Jo In-sung’s comeback project after his release from the army, but after several delays, the actor withdrew his participation.

In February, it was announced that Yeo Jin-gu had signed on for the lead in the big-budget film – a joint endeavor by Chinese and Korean companies. However, rumors recently surfaced that Chinese investors, who are funding 70% of the project, were not happy with the casting. A source from the business world said, “China wants a big Hallyu star, and although Yeo Jin-gu is a talented actor and is very popular, he’s not quite at that level yet.”

What fired up the actor’s rep, however, was that it was revealed that Kim Soo-hyun had been offered the lead in March, shortly after the conclusion of You From Another Star, and after Yeo Jin-gu had already signed a contract with CJ Entertainment, the Korean company backing the film. He was rightfully pissed that the production company would approach other stars for the same role after securing his client’s involvement. He blamed them for using the young actor as a sort of insurance policy, and engaging in contradictory activities behind the scenes.

Prior to confirmation that Yeo Jin-gu had been released from the film, director Park Kwang-hyun denied receiving pressure from foreign investors regarding casting, and hinted at scheduling conflicts with Shoot My Heart as a reason why the termination rumors began. Yeo Jin-gu’s rep quickly shot down that notion, stating that there were no scheduling conflicts – Fist Fighting would’ve filmed after the actor’s work on Shoot My Heart had wrapped.

The rep went on to say, “Being let go of is fine, but I don’t understand how they could have contacted another actor without letting us know. What’s the point of a contract? They threaten actors who do not fulfill their obligations but they basically ripped the contract with my client to shreds and stomped on it. What a terrible experience for this young actor to be involved with and to learn from.”

Yeo Jin-gu had already met with the director twice and had been steadily hitting the gym and training in preparation for the role. When asked if the actor’s team would pursue legal action, his rep said he hadn’t discussed with the rest of the management company yet, but personally, he felt it would be a fruitless exercise and would only result in the rewarding of a cancellation fee. He added in a last jab that they wouldn’t want to touch that dirty money.

Kim Soo-hyun’s team, who confirmed receipt of an offer, had said a few days ago that the star was so busy on his Asian tour that he hadn’t had time to review the proposals he had received. In light of these recent developments, however, the actor is said to have quickly turned down the role, as he wasn’t aware that Yeo Jin-gu had been committed to the character and doesn’t want to get involved in the controversy (perhaps showing a little loyalty to his The Moon That Embraces The Sun younger self).

It’s undeniable that Kim Soo-hyun is hot right now, especially in China, and admittedly, Yeo Jin-gu’s most recent film (Baek Pro) was a box office flop – although he was 13 at the time it was shot, and it isn’t his fault the movie took so long to hit theaters. I can see investors insisting that filmmakers cast a sure bet versus a risky alternative, but it is really unfortunate that Yeo Jin-gu got caught up in the crossfire. That said, it may be Kim Soo-hyun’s time right now, but I’m certain Yeo Jin-gu’s will come – they both have that certain something to keep them popular in the industry for a long time, should they so desire.

Via Osen, TV Daily, Kyeongin

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51 goldeng

April 11, 2014 at 3:48 PM

I just hope he remembers all their names and refuses to work with them in the future when he really hits it big! Business is business and investors are vital so if they were talking to KSH WITHOUT signing Jin Goo it might be more understandable but its nasty how they tried to turn tables and use his another movie casting to save their asses from the backlash... Just like YJG's agency said, they might get a mere cancellation fee if they sue them... if it was the other way around, that the actor in question chooses another movie with a better chance to be a hit after signing a contract, stuff like this might end an actor's career in the blink of an eye because everyone might blacklist him/her... SO unfair.

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52 okay

April 11, 2014 at 9:12 PM

I would be p/o'ed too if I was YJG rep. Obviously they were being disrespectful and viewing YJG as someone not worthy enough and that's why his reps were trying to stand up to CJ Entertainment and say something.
And I don't care about the movie anymore, but I am super happy that KSH didn't take. YaY bro power!

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53 Nanako

April 12, 2014 at 8:51 AM

Bowing down to the power of crude money? Yeo Jin Gu is definitely the better actor. Correction: much better. I hope korean fans will kick up a huge fuss and stamp this movie down.