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Eunjung quits Five Fingers in the wake of T-ara’s scandal

So this is big news: With the T-ara scandal still going strong in K-poplandia, idol-actress Eunjung is quitting her new drama Five Fingers, which just premiered 3 days ago. Wow. I knew the brouhaha was causing lots of concern for T-ara’s members’ projects, but never did I think the drama would actually drop her over it.

Backing up a bit, in case the scandal is news to you: T-ara recently kicked out one of its members, Hwayoung, which proved to be quite the controversial move. There were signs of intra-group discord (rather publicly displayed in a few notable Twitter exchanges between the idols), with conflicting stories about the source of strife. Some rumors pinned the blame on Hwayoung for being difficult to work with and unwilling to pull her weight, while yet more rumors speculated that Hwayoung was the target of ostracizing and bullying by the other members.

In any case, nobody came out of the situation smelling like a rose, and all eyes were on certain projects to see whether they’d survive the blot on T-ara’s reputation. Soyeon, for instance, has a supporting role in Haeundae Lovers, which seemed untouched by the scandal. Hyomin also had a drama premiere in the last week, the gumiho comedy The Thousandth Man, which doesn’t seem hugely affected either.


Five Fingers

But Eunjung’s role is a leading one, and she’s one of the more prominent actresses in the group, so the scrutiny was bound to be stronger with her, especially with the 30-episode running time. She recently also quit her tenure on the variety show We Got Married, where she was in a faux coupledom with Lee Jang-woo. You could argue that she was probably going to quit that show soon anyway, since their show relationship has been running its course. Still, given the timing, the scandal is likely the primary catalyst for the decision.

Eunjung’s departure from Five Fingers was confirmed by a senior executive at SBS’s drama department. The producers held an emergency meeting on the 21st to discuss the issue, and announced the decision on the 22nd.

CP Kim Young-sub with the broadcast station confirmed that they are in talks to replace Eunjung with another actress. Nothing is decided yet, but the name being floated as a likely candidate is Jin Sae-yeon.


Jin Sae-yeon

And I’m like, DUDE, she’s in a drama! You may have heard of it? Gaksital? You know, that light, fluffy show that’s so easy on the emotions that it’s totally obvious that the lead actress could hop on over to another station to concurrently film a second light, fluffy drama?

Oh, wait. No, I mean the other thing. The opposite of that.

Gaksital is just about as draining a project you could do, and it’s still got three weeks left to go. Five Fingers is a heavy melodrama, and the character is described as a tragic figure.

Unless… GASP! Does Mok Dan die?

(I’m actually quite fine with that story turn, which could make Gaksital even awesomer and darker. But I don’t expect that to happen — and certainly not before the final episode, if they were even to consider it — so I presume she’d just have to work real hard. I know Joo-won films 1 Night 2 Days on top of the drama, but let’s not take that kind of craziness as an example of ideal working conditions.)

Of course, there’s always the chance they’ll go with a different actress. Eunjung’s appearance in Five Fingers was supposed to begin in Episode 5, and she was to begin filming this Thursday. She was present at the drama’s production press conference on August 16, along with the rest of the principal cast. The drama just premiered over the weekend, and will air Episodes 3 and 4 this Saturday and Sunday.

Via Osen, My Daily

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I really dont want to take sides on who is right and who is wrong... the only thing I guess I can say is.. The show must go on and since it was decided.. We can only wait to see who the new actress is.

Thanks for the info! :)

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lol, "the show MUST go on"

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I second the motion. I'm on Neutral...I'm still watching FF no matter what.

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It is sad that those netizens are so caught up in other peoples personal life. They choose to be so judgemental and don't look at the evil they put out to offend others. Those netizens to me are the true villains and hypocrites that create the chaos. He say- She say. I hope this mess does'nt effect Eunjung mentally. I believe there are those that are jealous of her. Eunjung! Hold your head up high and live YES your life doing what makes you happy.

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I really like Eunjung. Was she some sort of terrible "mean girl" that she should be punished like this? Moreover, I think that Jin Sae-yeon hasn't shown much acting skill in Gakistal - in fact she is the weak link and really drags down an excellent drama. Although, to be fair, you might blame the director and/or writer for some of the issues with Mok Dan's character.

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totally pity eunjung!!! it's not her faulth that hwayoung being kick out!!! it's the dumbasss ceo faulth , he didn't even discuss it with the members!!!
adding new members to a already gaining popularity group it's just A NONO

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This is bad news. I was really looking forward this....

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The production company Yeln E&M (and perhaps SBS) definitely behaved unprofessionally. On the 21st, Eunjung had a meeting with script writers and practiced her lines with Ji Chan Wook. But on the 22nd, news was released that the producers cast Jin Se Yeon. That means they went behind her back and privately began searching for a replacement. They acted inappropriately by giving unilateral notice of contract termination. If they were going to drop her THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN OPEN AND HONEST ABOUT IT. What's all the B.S. about her voluntarily dropping this drama because it was too "burdensome"? That's truly a low blow.

And what is this terrible news I hear that Yeln E&M kept Eunjung in the production until last minute because she provided free publicity?? Dafuq. That's just messed up.

Quoting Athena: "What I hate is how they gave Eunjung false hopes that she is still doing the role, after using her publicity in the press conference, letting her practice piano and rehearsing her scenes, even acknowledging that the T-ara scandal helped increase the ratings… and suddenly asks another actress to accept the role. They offered a role while somebody else thinks she still owns it! How unprofessional and unethical. So below the belt."

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at first place, eun jung should quit the show already. she does not have to wait until they kick her out. hwayoung went through alot of hardships just for t-ara to kick her out n that unfair for her. they deserve it. what goes around comes around.

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Why should she have quit the drama? Quitting would have been extremely unprofessional of her. Also, even when the scandal blew up, the PD stood by his decision to cast her. The reason why the PD and the script writer personally recruited Eunjung was because they believed she could have played the role of Hong Dami very well. And I agree with them.

....T-ara never kicked Hwayoung out.

Can you please tell me why you hate Eunjung and probably all the other five members of T-ara because I can't understand why.

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How do you know for a fact that Hwayoung was put through a lot of hardships, do you live in their dorm? The truth is that all that is out there is a whole lot of assumptions and speculations mostly based on the opinions of crazy korean netizens and worsened by KKS's choice to try to mudsling Hwayoung's name. Also T-ara didn't kick her out, KKS did.

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for you all who still said abiut rice cakes bullying, have you ever watch the real video not the "cut pictures from the video"?

if it's bullying than what have they done to ji yoen, they force ji yoen ate it before hwayoung.

and for you who said why they still silent, try to dig deeper, i'm sure their agency who stop they from say anything.....

just think you all before say something that can hurt someone. just put yourself in their shoes. being blame for something that even not true and no fact.

SHOW ME THE FACT THAT HWAYOUNG BEING BULLIED!!!!!!

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i thought eunjung's character here supposed to be more complex... with all those sad expressions she had in all photoshot. now jin sayeon is in it, probably it's just some cutesy parade. urgh. not a fan of her acting, sorry.

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Ham Eunjung, after being forced to leave her drama, has fallen into silence. Management Goo said "Since yesterday afternoon, Eunjung has been staying with her family" "She is reluctant to communicate with the outside world and seems to want to observe quietly for now." On the morning of the 22nd, Eunjung had confirmed her hairstyle and practised piano etc, preparing for her first filming. But because of the news of her being dropped from the drama, she fell into a daze, overwhelmed with shock, and returned to her home situated in Nonhyeon Dong, Gangnam, Seoul. Instead of close acquaintances, Eunjung chose to seek comfort from her family to overcome this crisis.

English trans via Chinese TCN translations
http://news.nate.com/view/20120823n24759

Credit: @kckclalala

----

Poor girl :(
That's a really sad situation.

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Hey guys, have you read this?
http://www.soompi.com/2012/08/23/bridal-mask-drama-production-not-happy-with-jin-se-yeons-decision-to-shoot-five-fingers/

Gaksital production team didn't know anything about the negociations done by Five Fingers sponsors & Jin Sae-yeon? wtf

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Read elsewhere that stated that they did negotiate though. So idk :/

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JSY and Five Finger's production team negotiated.

It's kind of a no-brainer that the Gaksital production team would be pissed that JSY agreed to start filming Five Fingers when and WHILE she's still filming Gaksital.

Soompi: On August 23, “Bridal Mask” drama producer Lee Geon Jun said that, “It is ridiculous and unheard of for a mini-series drama female lead, while the drama is still broadcasting, to be splitting her time appearing in another drama... at the last moment, in this busy situation, for the female lead actress to shoot another drama, it is clearly harmful to the drama.”

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Well.
It's quite stupid and reckless of her to not inform Gaksital's pdtn team. Not going to be too good for her career.

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They have a right to be mad, the last episodes of korean dramas are often in live shoot format and the leads really need to be on the top of their game because this is where the climax of the story is. Even if she is able to schedule the filming schedules of the two around each other, she will be attempting to learn a whole other character and trying to be in character for Five Fingers while trying to maintain her character for Gakistal. By splitting her attention between the two she is not giving either drama her all which is unfair to the staff of Gakistal considering was in that drama first. Also since they will need to work around her Five Fingers filming she will inevitable cause problems and unnecessary complications in the other casts filming schedule which for people like Joo Won should be avoided considering how busy he is already.

Frankly I think it was a dumb move and honestly makes me think less of the actress . To knowingly sign on a project knowing that they are trying to replace their current lead actress for no reason other than she is in a scandal is simply a dirty move. Eunjung was prepared for the role and Jin Seo Young was in Gakistal, she didn't need to take this role, but the fact that she took this knowing she would be taking it from another actress is just wrong and frankly makes me less inclined to see her future works.

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Poor JJH
Is should be his comeback drama and so on
but...now it just about how this drama kick out eunjung
and still, I doubt jin sayeon can replace eunjung...just look her in gaksital is...nggg
at last, all people who ask eunjung drop should take responsibility for FF
if this drama rate going down for next eps
that just..so mean for both party :S
FF Fighting! JJH Fighting! Eunjung (even im not her fan, but this is really) fighting too !

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Wow, that just sucks.
Never really expected it to come down to this despite the huge hoo-ha.

Anyhow, just saw that Jin Sae Yeon accepted the role and will be starting filming today. Girl be mad.

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That is insanity. And why would she even? Gaksital is about to end soon.

And why would you scout someone who is already in another drama? There cannot be a shortage of young female actresses in Korea, that is ridiculous and a little disrespectful in my opinion. On both parts--Jin Sae Yeon too.

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Whether t-ara are bullies or not, the Korean netizens aren't saints themselves. No wonder Korean celebrities are committing suicide left, right and center in Korea. Seeking justice for an aggrieved party, if she is one, is commendable but to this extent? One word - lynchmob!!

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To be honest your title and first paragraph are very misleading. Based on the news that has been released, Eunjung did not quit the drama. She was dropped from the drama which is completely different from her voluntarily deciding to remove herself. Based on the most recent of news releases that I have read , what happened was while Eunjung was practicing her lines with Ji Chang Wook for the beginning of her filming which was going to start the next day, the producers were approaching Jin Seo Young to replace her for the role and when she gave the okay to take the role they dropped Eunjung from the drama. Whether they informed her personally or whether she found out via the press release like CCM is saying is up to speculation but the fact is that SBS and the FF PDs dropped her and they owned up to the fact. Based on the news the sponsors were worried that the bad press around Eunjung lowered her bankability and that her presence in the drama would prevent people from wanting to buy the products advertised and placed in the drama. Originally the PD was trying to keep Eunjung but as we all know money talks in Korea and the sponsors/advertisers pressured SBS and SBS pressured the PD to drop her. W

If they had dropped her before the Press Con and Promotional material was released , while still shitty, the move would be understandable. But to approach another actress while she is still rehearsing and to drop her the day before she was set to film is downright dirty. I was going to watch this because it was Joo Ji Hoon's comeback and Eunjung's first lead but with all the dirty dealings that have occurred I have decided to drop the drama .

Personally I think Eunjung stepped up her acting abilities in Queen Insoo and fits better for this role than Jin Seo Young and was more appropriate a choice considering her age. Jin Seo Young is only 18 and her acting hasn't really impressed me that much, she isn't bad , but I don't think she will be much of an acting improvement over Eunjung.

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Jin Seo Young should accept it. It was very professinal and now she has Bridal Mask pds mad at her.

PLus I bet she knew if she accepted Eujung would be kicked out for her. If she didn't accept maybe they wouldn't have time to replace Eujung even if they wanted.

And not only this. Accepting a role that has to be filmed right away and you don't have time to study it before filming... won't be good. I heard Eujung was studying her lines and meeting the others actors plus she even was learning piano. When and how Jin Seo Young will study to her new drama? I don't see how. The result: poor acting from her and all. She choose it and now lets see.

I don't think she is so good at acting, she lacks a lot and is just okay at acting. And with no time to study her acting will be even more lacking.

This girl shouldn't have accepted it, it'll not be good to her and both dramas.

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*In the beginning I meant ''shouldn't accept it.''

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Oh god why. I meant unprofessional in the beginning too.

Sigh.

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I really think the whole thing is a joke to remove Eunjang from the drama over unproven bullying allegations. The videos been show are edited in such away that they don't give a true depiction of events. The network should of let her go earlier. The replacement Jin Se Yun for me does not seem a better actress either.
I'm not really a T-ara fan. but saw Eunjang in Dream High and thought she was pretty good in it.
All the people bad mouthing T-ara seem to think its acceptable to with out much evidence. I feel this bad mouthing is also no better then bullying others.
Its a shame it will affect Ju Ji-hoon comeback.

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well,, i feel bad for eunjung but think Jin Sae-yeon is good enough:

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be sad for eun jung (T-ara )...hope return of joo ji hoon ...!

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Lol. People, don't attack Jin Sae Yeon either. She probably had little say in whether she was taking on FF or not. While articles say "Jin Sae Yeon" it's probably more like "Jin Sae Yeon's management company". And if you're her management company, you're probably going to milk every penny she's worth.

Scandal and everything aside, I don't think acting wise this is going to make a huge difference.

I did see her in DH and Queen Insoo and found that her line delivery left something to be desired. There are better twenty-something actresses, and I found it disappointing (especially in Queen Insoo) that she was the one acting. She was comparatively better than her idol counterparts in DH, but among other actors in Insoo I think it was obvious that she was not an actress. Her sageuk tone was off, as she still sounded exactly like she did in the few episodes of We Got Married that I watched. I remember that Jin Sae Yeon pulled off a sageuk tone in The Duo without making me cringe.

I personally find young actresses who haven't used their idol status to get their spots more impressive. It's harder to see them now days because idols seem to be more profitable to stick in dramas. Jin Sae Yeon isn't brilliant, but she's not horrible either and she has a decent bit of potential. She's also only 19, and she's proven herself through her acting roles. And she got her first roles through legitimate auditions instead of connections.

On another note, it's rather interesting that Jin Sae Yeon and Eun Jung have filmed together for the movie "White" last year.

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If you guys didn't already know, Eunjung was practically forced and bullied out by the 5fingers' PD. He threatened to mistreat her and crap if she didn't withdraw from the drama even though initially said that they'd still keep Eunjung. Just because some sponsors said they won't sponsor the drama, the stupid PD contradicted what he initially said and bullied her out and announcing a non-mutual withdrawal through the media. The PD of Thousandth Man even stood up and said that it was completely unprofessional for the 5finger's PD to do that when the drama is already aired and that that PD did it all for money. Its pride over money for the Thousandth Man PD unlike 5fingers.

Although whether or not I care to watch 5fingers now doesn't affect viewer ratings, I expect not a lot of people will bother with watching it. I think it was initially high rating cuz people thought Eunjung and Jihoon was in it and some antis just wanted to watch it to bash the poor girl anyways. Now that they've lost the purpose to do so, I don't think many people will watch it as much.

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koreans need to learn how to chill the fukkkk out.
There's no proven fact about this.

chris brown and rihanna was a real one with evidence and what not, yet there was no such issue of people cursing at chris. yet, true fans supports him and those who hates him after the incident, they don't support him in sales.

thats it. its all that simple.

why can't korean learn how to chill?

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I was planning to watch this cuz of what the plot promises - a drama full of angsty goodness and one upmanship between brothers. Especially with Eunjung as the female lead and the one who gets between the two brothers, it's bound to be good. But with JSY, the character had to be fitted to be more suitable for her, and I think this will hurt the integrity of the drama. This show is supposed to be filled with mature themes and tension and I am not sure if she can properly pull this off.

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I am pissed. I was really looking forward to this drama because EJ was going to be the main lead, her first time EVER. I wanted to see the chemistry between her and JJH but sadly, that's not happening. JSY's acting for me is just so...blah. she doesn't deliver when I need her to and it irritates me that they couldn't have found a different actress or better yet, just keep EJ.

how the hell are you gonna drop the girl when you came out in public and said that you were still gonna keep her, no matter what the scandal was saying?!. then not even informing her that she was gonna get dropped and let her think that she was still on the team??. how low can people get? you use her then throw her away like a used rag, tsk, tsk. how disgusting.

this drama was good, and I mean GOOD. I was really anticipating EJ's appearance and was getting all excited for no reason. I will no longer be watching the drama, even if I love JJH. I can't stand JSY's acting, so not gonna even bother watching. yeah, I'm a hater. can't stand watching the main guy I like acting with the main girl I don't like. doesn't matter even if you're pretty, if you're acting sucks, there's nothing to enjoy.

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This is what happens when you cram 50 million people into a small area (Seol) and give them the fastest internet in the world, and the most connected city per square feet .

Read mroe about this here:

http://askakorean.blogspot.ca/2010/10/anti-fan-death.html

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If the bullying thing is true, Eunjung deserves indeed to be kicked out of this drama. South Korea has one of the highest suicide rates in the world due to bullying, so this is a sensitive issue and it shouldn't be overlooked. These girls (T-ara) are especially popular among teenagers, so I think it is positive to punish the bullying members since it gives both T-ara members and teenagers a lesson: if you bully, you'll end up getting what you deserve. So you better don't bully and nothing will turn against you.

Just my thoughts.

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