Allegations of mistreatment surface against production team.
In a troubling revelation, the crew behind When Life Gives You Tangerines has found itself at the center of serious allegations regarding the treatment of background actors during filming. The controversy ignited when several individuals took to social media and online platforms to share their experiences, claiming that extras faced neglect and hardship on set.
One whistleblower recounted how the production team seemed reluctant to invest in the non-celebrity cast, leaving even elderly actors to fend for themselves in cold conditions without adequate shelter or food. This negligence raised eyebrows and concern among the community.
Additional statements from extras highlighted the extreme temperatures they endured during the winter shoots. Despite the frigid weather, actors reported being prohibited from wearing thermal clothing or long underwear, which added to their discomfort. Complaints have also surfaced about forced haircuts, as extras were instructed to alter their appearance to fit the show’s time period.
A representative from When Life Gives You Tangerines addressed these accusations in a statement to Sports Seoul on May 28, 2025. They expressed:
“We are currently verifying the facts surrounding the situation. For any confirmed cases, we will conduct a thorough review to ensure such incidents do not happen again.”
This Netflix original drama, which premiered in March, delves into the life of Ae Soon (played by IU), a spirited rebel from Jeju, and Gwan Sik (portrayed by Park Bo Gum), a hopeless romantic. It has quickly gained popularity, becoming one of the standout dramas of 2025.
Stay tuned for updates as the situation develops and more information comes to light.
Starvation, Forced To Shave Hair And More — Extras Expose Alleged Mistreatment On Set Of “When Life Gives You Tangerines”
