The Netflix series "The Wonder Fools" ultimately chose 'an unedited completion' despite lead Cha Eun-woo's tax evasion controversy. Ahead of the show's release, the production team said "the drama's completion comes first."
On the 12th at the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square in Jongno-gu, Seoul, a production presentation for "The Wonder Fools" was held. Director Yoo In-sik and actors Park Eunbin, Choi Dae-hoon, Lim Seong-jae, Kim Hae-sook, Son Hyunjoo attended the event, and Cha Eun-woo was absent because he is serving in the military.
Even before its release, the work was embroiled in external controversy. It became a major issue when it was revealed that Cha Eun-woo had been notified of a tax bill in the 20 billion won range during a National Tax Service investigation before his enlistment. Cha Eun-woo's side later filed an appeal against the tax procedure and paid the related taxes in April of this year while issuing an apology.
That day director Yoo In-sik spoke cautiously about the controversy for the first time. He explained, "At that time, the editing and postproduction were already finished when I read the article."
In particular, he drew a clear line regarding whether Cha Eun-woo's scenes would be edited. Yoo said, "This project has been my long-held dream, and all the staff and actors worked very hard for every single second of each shot," adding, "We proceeded with editing and postproduction prioritizing the overall completion of the drama."
Ultimately, it means the production prioritized the flow and completion of the work over the individual actor's controversy. However, Yoo withheld comment, saying, "It is difficult to specifically address personal issues at a production presentation."
He also shared his impressions of working with Cha Eun-woo for the first time. Director Yoo said, "Emotional acting and physical action must have been new challenges, but he devoted himself very dedicatedly," and said, "I am satisfied with the result." Park Eunbin, instead of directly addressing the controversy, said, "The director has always emphasized teamwork and combination," and added, "I hope people will watch the result created by everyone's best efforts," showing her affection for the work.
In the end, "The Wonder Fools" decided to release without editing or removing Cha Eun-woo's scenes despite the Cha Eun-woo risk. Attention is focused on what results the production team's choice to protect the work's completion and the actors' ensemble will lead to, separate from the controversy.
"The Wonder Fools" is a comic adventure set in the end of the 1990s that tells the story of neighborhood residents who accidentally gain supernatural powers. The ensemble of clumsy yet endearing characters centered on Park Eunbin and Cha Eun-woo is cited as a viewing highlight.
[Photo] Netflix, OSEN DB
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