Lead actor quits drama 'Time' midway for eating/sleeping disorder

By Dong Sun-hwa

Lead actor Kim Jung-hyun will leave the ongoing MBC TV series “Time,” in which he has been starring since its premiere in July, due to an eating and sleep disorder.

“Kim has been receiving treatment while shooting for the drama ― he did not want to cause harm to the drama,” according to his agency, O& Entertainment.

“The actor and crew tried their best to run until the end, but Kim had to quit midway after his doctor told him to have a mental and physical break.”

MBC said, “He is doing all he can for the remaining part. Kim has been acting with enthusiasm and has succeeded in his role thanks to an outstanding character portrayal. We hope to see him again soon after he recovers.”

The drama is halfway through, with 16 out of the 32 episodes to go. “Su-ho”, played by Kim, is terminally ill, so when Kim leaves, the character will die and not be replaced. The storyline will be changed instead.

Previously, the actor was in hot water for “attitude problems.”

During a conference, he was expressionless the whole time, and even refused to link arms with his drama partner, Seohyun of K-pop band Girls' Generation.

The actor was having problems before the conference, according to his agency.