Credit: Chae Jong Hyeop Instagram
Just days before cameras were set to roll, the film Turtle (literal title) has found itself in choppy waters. Chae Jong Hyeop has sent a formal notice terminating his contract with producer Popcorn Film, sparking a potential legal battle.
Industry sources confirmed on August 13th that Chae sent a certified letter to Popcorn Film citing “failure to commence filming within the agreed period” as the reason for the pullout. “We repeatedly requested the start of filming, but no action was taken,” said Chae in the notice.
Popcorn Film, represented by law firm Bae, Kim & Lee, disputes the claim. “The May–July schedule in the contract was a preliminary plan,” the company said in its reply. “Exact start and end dates are set according to production conditions, and may be delayed or changed through mutual agreement if unavoidable.”
The company insists Chae had agreed to revised dates, participated in rehearsals and script work, and only recently stopped cooperating. “We had reached the stage for action training and costume fittings,” Popcorn Film claimed. “Since early August, he has unilaterally refused to attend without notice, making it impossible to proceed with the first shoot.”
Chae’s new agency, Blitzway, counters that no formal agreement was reached on postponing production. “The contract clearly specified a filming window,” the agency said. “That period passed due to the production company’s circumstances. We proposed filming after Chae’s drama schedule, but no deal was reached, leaving us no choice but to send the termination notice.”
Both sides say they hope for an amicable settlement, but each has signaled readiness for court if talks collapse. Popcorn Film has warned, “If production is canceled or delayed because of the actor’s refusal, he will be responsible for all resulting damages.” Blitzway responded that while they remain “open to negotiation,” they will pursue “all legal remedies” if needed.
Chae, whose credits include Hot Stove League , Castaway Diva , and the Japanese hit Eye Love You , was set to headline Turtle . Whether he remains aboard now depends on which side wins this off-screen drama.
Tall and Talented: What’s Next for Chae Jong Hyeop, Kang Hoon, and More?
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Kang Hoon (184cm)
Credit: Kang Hoon Instagram
Kang Hoon , who made a name for himself in tvN’s The Red Sleeve and solidified his charm in Little Women as Nam Ji Hyun’s childhood friend and ally, has been winning hearts as the sweet second lead in ENA’s Dear Hyeri. Playing the role of Kang Ju Yeon, a sub-lead sweeter than the main love interest, he has garnered significant support from viewers.
However, his upcoming project, U+ Mobile TV’s The Scalpel-Wielding Hunter (literal title), promises to reveal a completely new side of the actor. This gripping drama follows a forensic pathologist with antisocial personality disorder, whose past haunts his present. Kang Hoon will play Jung Jung Hyun, a humanist detective who believes in the goodness of humanity. As he gets entangled with the pathologist, played by Park Ju Hyun , Kang Hoon’s character will explore complex and evolving emotions. Filming began this October.
Kim Young Dae (185cm)
Credit: Kim Young Dae Instagram
Kim Young Dae , best known for his impactful performance as Joo Seok Hoon in The Penthouse series, has kept his momentum going with roles in Sh**ting Stars and Moon in the Day . Recently, he starred alongside Shin Mina in No Gain No Love , earning praise for their flawless chemistry.
His next project, TVING’s Dear X (literal title), offers a fresh blend of melodrama and thriller. Based on a popular webtoon of the same name, the story follows a masked heroine and the man determined to save her. Kim Young Dae will star opposite Kim Yoo Jung, and the series, set to release next year, will tackle themes of beauty, redemption, and complex relationships.
Moon Sang Min (191cm)
Credit: Moon Sang Min Instagram
Moon Sang Min captivated audiences in Under the Queen’s Umbrella with his commanding presence. Since then, he has made a mark in the romantic comedy genre with Wedding Impossible and Cinderella at 2 AM , showcasing his versatility as a leading man.
Now, he’s returning to historical dramas with KBS 2TV’s My Beloved Bandit (literal title). The story takes a fantastical twist, exploring the lives of two individuals who swap souls—a noblewoman-turned-bandit ( Nam Ji Hyun ) and Yi Yeol, a royal prince (Moon Sang Min). The series is set for a late 2024 release.
Chae Jong Hyeop (186cm)
Credit: Chae Jong Hyeop Instagram
Chae Jong Hyeop has been steadily building his career with roles in Nevertheless and Love All Play . His chemistry with Park Eun Bin in Castaway Diva recently caught the spotlight, and his growing fanbase has earned him the nickname “Hyeop-sama” in Japan, thanks to his success in TBS’s Eye Love You .
Chae Jong Hyeop is in talks for Shining (literal title) as his next project. This romance drama delicately explores a love that becomes a guiding light, illuminating the way forward and remaining a source of hope and belief.
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