Joseon Exorcist actors may only get paid for 2 of 14 episodes after K-drama cancelled

The controversy surrounding the cancelled K-drama Joseon Exorcist is not quite over. The period drama was taken off the air after just two episodes after viewers complained of historical inaccuracies.

It seems like the actors of the show can’t catch a break just yet. Not only have they endured bad press over the whole episode, it appears they may not be paid for the work they’ve already put in.

According to AllKPop, which quoted a report from Ilgan Sports News, the actors had already completed filming 14 of the 16 episodes that were supposed to air. However, the production company is looking to only compensate them for two episodes.

An unnamed source from one of the actors’ agencies called it “a frustrating situation”. The person said: “We’re in a difficult situation because we can’t ask the drama production team to pay us for the work that our actors have done. However, our agency will be in a more difficult situation if we do not get back the investment we put in every episode”.

The show's main actors included Jang Dong-yoon, Park Sung-hoon and Kam Woo-sung.

READ: K-drama Joseon Exorcist sparks controversy over 'historical distortions', Chinese influences

READ: Blackpink’s Jisoo in Snowdrop: Her K-drama character’s name changed after historical issues

The series was set in ancient Korea and centred on the Joseon era's royal family as they battled evil spirits. It faced backlash after it first aired on Mar 22 over scenes that showed Chinese cultural influences as well as claims of historical distortions.

Controversial scenes include its depiction of the third king of the Joseon dynasty killing innocent people, and the fourth king receiving a guest in a room with Chinese foods such as mooncakes. Sponsors pulled commercials from the series and it was soon cancelled.