The highly anticipated K-Drama series, “Bloodhounds,” is set to make its debut on Netflix, but not without stirring up some controversy. Director Kim Joo Hwan recently addressed the decision to retain actress Kim Sae Ron’s parts in the show, despite her involvement in a DUI scandal.
During a press conference held on June 7 in Seoul’s Mapo-gu district, the cast and director of “Bloodhounds” gathered to shed light on the upcoming series. In April, Kim Sae Ron faced intense criticism after it was revealed that she would be featured in the drama despite her conviction for driving under the influence.
Speculations had surfaced suggesting that actress Jung Dae Eun would replace Kim Sae Ron in the show. However, these rumors were put to rest when the final cast list for “Bloodhounds” was unveiled, confirming the participation of actors Woo Do Hwan, Lee Sang Yi, Park Sung Woong, and Huh Joon Ho.
As the filming of “Bloodhounds” neared its conclusion in May, Kim Sae Ron faced further legal trouble when she was charged with driving under the influence, resulting in a collision with a transformer box and subsequent power outage in 57 nearby establishments and residences. Reports revealed that her blood alcohol level measured 0.2%, exceeding Korea’s legal limit of 0.03%. She was subsequently fined ₩20.0 million KRW (approximately $15,300 USD) in April.
During the press conference, director Kim Joo Hwan shed light on his decision not to completely remove Kim Sae Ron from the K-Drama. He explained that extensive deliberation had led to the conclusion that only the minimum amount of her scenes would be retained. Given that her character played a central role in the incident and the majority of the filming had already been completed, removing all her scenes proved to be unfeasible.
“We made every effort to minimize any discomfort for our viewers. Considering the collective efforts of numerous individuals, we were committed to reducing the length of Kim Sae Ron’s role while maximizing the overall quality of the show to ensure its completeness.”
— Director Kim Joo Hwan
Meanwhile, “Bloodhounds” revolves around the story of two young men entangled in the world of private loan businesses, where money takes precedence over human life. As they battle against formidable forces of evil, their lives hang in the balance. The series is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on June 9 KST, promising an intriguing and captivating viewing experience.
