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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Movies and TV devider Court reduces amount actor Ji-soo's former agency needs to pay K-drama production company

Court reduces amount actor Ji-soo's former agency needs to pay K-drama production company

Published Feb 16, 2026 10:28 am  |  Updated Feb 16, 2026 09:56 pm
Korean actor Ji-soo (Instagram)
Korean actor Ji-soo (Instagram)

The Seoul High Court has reduced the amount of damages that the former agency of Korean actor Ji-soo must pay to a production company, following his withdrawal from the K-drama “River Where the Moon Rises” in 2021 amid a controversy. 

During an appeal trial on Feb. 13, the Seoul High Court’s Civil Affairs Division 38-1 overturned the original court’s 2024 ruling of 1.42 billion won (about $983,755) in damages in a lawsuit filed by K-drama production company Victory Contents (now known as Canvas N) against KeyEast, the former agency of Ji-soo. 

In the new decision, the Seoul High Court reduced the amount of damages to 880 million won (about $609,790) or a decrease of $373,965 or 38 percent. 

In a decision in July 2024, the 31st Civil Division of the Seoul Central District Court ruled partially in favor of company Victory Contents against KeyEast, and ordered the latter to pay 1.42 billion won. 

Korean actor Ji-soo in Bicol (Instagram)
Korean actor Ji-soo in Bicol (Instagram)
Korean actor Ji-soo (Instagram)
Korean actor Ji-soo (Instagram)

The lawsuit stemmed from Ji-soo’s drama “River Where the Moon Rises,” which premiered on Feb. 15, 2021. .

In March 2021, after the first six episodes had already aired, Ji-soo was accused of committing school violence by a former schoolmate. 

Ji-soo apologized and Korean TV channel KBS and Victory Contents announced his removal from the drama and was replaced by actor Na In-woo. 

At the time, 18 of the 20 episodes of the drama were already filmed with Ji-soo. As a result, the entire drama was reshot with Na In-woo as the lead actor. 

Victory Contents filed a 3 billion won (about $2 million) lawsuit for damages against KeyEast to recover the damages from additional production costs as the drama had to be reshot. 

The production company said it suffered damages such as staff expenses, venue and equipment rental fees, appearance fees and production design expenses due to reshooting of the drama. It also cited a decrease in viewership ratings, decrease in expected sales and damage to the company’s image. 

Ji-soo’s contract with KeyEast was terminated in May 2021 following the controversy. The actor filed a lawsuit against those who were spreading false facts about the controversy. 

In October 2023, Korean media reported that Ji-soo and the first person who made the allegation reconciled. 

The poster for the Korean drama 'River Where the Moon Rises' after Ji-soo left the project (KBS)
The poster for the Korean drama 'River Where the Moon Rises' after Ji-soo left the project (KBS)
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