Director Lee Ju-young: "Coupang Play Edited 'Anna' into 6 Episodes Without Consent"

"It Cannot Be Considered a Work Like the One I Directed"
Staff Apology and Demand for Release of 8-Episode Master File Director's Cut

The online video service (OTT) platform Coupang Play has been accused of editing the drama 'Anna' into a 6-episode series without the director's consent. Director Lee Ju-young, who wrote the script and directed the series, protested on the 2nd, stating, "Coupang Play excluded the director and unilaterally edited 'Anna,' damaging the work." According to the law firm Siwoo, which represents Director Lee, 'Anna' was originally filmed as an 8-episode series. However, Coupang Play, which is not the production company, edited it into 6 episodes, omitting or compressing key content. Director Lee said, "It is to the extent that it cannot be considered the same work I directed," and added, "As a creator, I could no longer endure the pain and felt compelled to write this statement."

Director Lee explained, "On June 7, Coupang Play notified us that they would re-edit the series through another director and a post-production company," and said, "I could not agree to have my name attached to an edited version I had never seen, so I repeatedly requested that my name be removed from the credits, but even that was ignored." He continued, "Many people were hurt by Coupang Play's unilateral and high-handed actions," and demanded, "They should apologize not only to me as the director but also to the staff, including the post-production company." He also protested, saying, "They must publicly announce the release of the 8-episode master file as the director's cut as soon as possible and declare that they will not repeat unilateral editing."

'Anna' is a work depicting the story of a woman who, starting with a small lie, ends up living a completely different person's life. It was released through Coupang Play on June 24 and attracted attention for actress Suzy's passionate performance.