Netflix looking into alleged mistreatment of extras on set of ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’
Netflix drama "When Life Gives You Tangerines" faces allegations of staff mistreatment. Courtesy of Netflix
Netflix is investigating allegations of mistreatment on the set of its original Korean series “When Life Gives You Tangerines,” after a series of online posts accused production staff of abusing and neglecting extras and older cast members during filming.
“We are currently reviewing the facts surrounding the incident,” a Netflix spokesperson said on Wednesday. “Netflix continues to work with its production partners in Korea to foster a better working environment and will closely review the situation to prevent similar occurrences in the future.”
The controversy erupted when an anonymous post surfaced online claiming that staff forced cast members to get haircuts and failed to provide even basic support during winter filming.
The writer claimed the drama was “infamous among extras as a schedule to avoid,” describing it as a production that cut corners by minimizing expenses on non-leading cast members.
“They didn’t even want to spend on the participants unless they were main actors,” the post read. “Even in the dead of winter, elderly extras were left hungry and unattended. Not once did they provide a proper meal or even a tea table — just dumped us near some restaurant and told us to eat within 30 minutes.”
The writer claimed the wardrobe department refused to allow thermal underwear to preserve the fit of costumes, despite the cold. “It was like being treated as slaves,” the post said.
Another person claiming to have worked on the production alleged that he was asked to drive due to staff shortages but was unpaid and mistreated. “It felt like the 60 billion won ($44 million) budget went entirely to celebrity fees,” he wrote.
He added that during a three-day shoot across multiple cities, extras were left without lodging or waiting areas and given only a burger and cola for dinner in freezing weather.
While the identities of the posters have not been officially confirmed, the level of detail and consistency across accounts have led many to believe they were involved in the production.
Netflix said it is in the process of verifying the claims. The drama's production team had previously come under fire for its filming practices. In April 2023, a visitor to the Gochang Green Barley Field Festival complained that the production team blocked access to areas of the venue and shouted at tourists not to take photos.
Production company Pan Entertainment later issued an apology, acknowledging its failure to be more considerate to the public.
“When Life Gives You Tangerines” is set on Jeju Island and stars IU and Park Bo-gum as Ae-soon and Gwan-sik, two resilient youths navigating life, love and hardship across four seasons in 1950s Korea.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.