MBC is facing backlash for promoting its upcoming drama, Undercover High School, just as Lee Se Young and Na In Woo’s Motel California began airing.

On January 16, MBC released the official poster for Undercover High School, a Friday-Saturday drama set to premiere on February 21.

The story follows a National Intelligence Service agent going undercover as a high school student to locate Emperor Gojong’s lost treasure. This will also be Seo Kang Joon’s first project after his military service.

While fans are excited for the new drama, many are questioning the timing of the promotion. Critics argue that the early campaign is overshadowing Motel California, which only recently started airing.

Motel California tells the story of a woman raised in a rural motel who returns to her hometown after 12 years. She reconnects with her first love, sparking a heartfelt and comedic "first-love renovation romance."

The show stars Lee Se Young, who shines with her signature rom-com charm, and Na In Woo, who undergoes a dramatic transformation, including wearing 120kg of special effects makeup.

Despite its fresh start, with only two episodes aired so far, Motel California is already competing for attention due to the sudden spotlight on Undercover High School.

Industry insiders have voiced concerns about MBC's decision. A broadcasting official stated, “Promotion for the next drama usually begins when the current one is nearing its end. Starting so early risks creating unnecessary competition and sends a message that MBC may lack confidence in Motel California.”

Fans of Motel California expressed frustration online, saying, “It’s disrespectful to the cast and crew who worked hard on this drama. Give them the attention they deserve!”

With the third episode of Motel California set to air on January 17, viewers are hoping MBC will refocus its efforts on supporting the show while it’s still finding its footing.

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Actress Honey Lee is firmly denying allegations of tax evasion after reports surfaced that she was hit with a massive KRW 6 billion ($4.5 million) tax bill following an irregular audit.

On March 7, her agency TEAMHOPE released a statement clarifying the situation, saying, “The tax audit conducted last year covered a 5-year period. No evidence of tax evasion, such as undeclared income or false expense reporting, was found.”

The controversy began when it was revealed that Honey Lee and her company, Hope Project, were audited by the Seoul Regional Tax Office in September 2023.

Hope Project, which she founded in 2015 and where her husband serves as CEO, was reportedly ordered to pay additional taxes due to discrepancies in classification.

Honey Lee explained that Hope Project was established to handle activities beyond her work as an actress, including traditional Korean music performances, content creation, and investments.

However, tax authorities interpreted her entertainment income as personal rather than corporate, resulting in what TEAMHOPE calls “double taxation.”

Her agency further emphasized, “This is not a case of tax evasion. The imposed tax includes amounts already declared and paid as corporate taxes, but authorities imposed additional personal income tax on top of that.”

Despite paying the full amount, Honey Lee plans to fight the decision legally. TEAMHOPE stated, “We will work with a tax law firm to clarify this issue through legal procedures.”

Fans are standing by Honey Lee, praising her for addressing the controversy head-on.

Many are eager to see how the case unfolds and whether the actress will be able to overturn what she claims is an unfair tax ruling.

Source (1)