The production team of The Queen Who Crowns has finally addressed the controversial 19+ exposure scenes featuring lead actresses Cha Ju Young and Lee Yi Dam, leaving many viewers curious about the decision behind the explicit content.

On January 16, the production team spoke out about the scenes, revealing that from the very start of the planning stage, they had already differentiated between the tvN broadcast version and the OTT version of the drama.

The OTT version was planned to have a “Restricted for Youth” (19+) rating, and they communicated this openly with the cast and crew.

"We made it clear that there would be exposure scenes, and the level of exposure was carefully discussed with each actor, based on their characters and the scenes. At every stage, we had talks with the actors' agencies and got their approval," the team explained.

The drama, which premiered on January 6 on TVing and tvN, made headlines quickly after viewers noticed explicit scenes showing Cha Joo Young and Lee Yi Dam in compromising positions, revealing their breasts and buttocks in the TVing version.

As the controversy spread, many viewers wondered if the actresses had done the exposure themselves, or if body doubles or CGI were used. The production team confirmed that CGI was used in some parts of the scenes.

What’s even more shocking is that the original script for The Queen Who Crowns only described a sex scene but didn't specify any exposure. It was during the pre-filming storyboard stage that the production team decided to increase the level of exposure.

Before airing, both Cha Joo Young and Lee Yi Dam's agencies requested edits to reduce the exposure, but the production team firmly kept the scenes in, stating they were essential to the story.

Director Kim Sang Ho revealed, "The script didn’t specifically describe the exposure scenes," and added that there were certain "demands from the channel" regarding how the scenes were produced.

The drama’s bold and provocative approach has sparked major conversations, with many questioning the fine line between artistic choice and controversy.

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Lee Kyung Gyu's star-making influence goes beyond Kang Ho Dong, as Hong Jin Kyung shares how he helped her kickstart her career.

On the April 24 episode of KBS 2TV’s Problem Child in House, legendary comedian Lee Kyung Gyu appeared as a guest—and a touching story from the past was revealed.

Hong Jin Kyung surprised everyone when she said, “He’s the teacher for all of us. Personally, he’s the one who helped me debut.” She even pinned a carnation flower on his chest to show her gratitude.

Lee Kyung Gyu smiled and said, “I still remember when Hong Jin Kyung walked up the stairs onto the stage for the first time.”

Hong Jin Kyung then shared her journey to becoming a star. “I joined a supermodel contest, but only the top 3 winners were noticed in broadcasting. I got a special prize, so I had no chance to be on TV."

She continued, "At first, I was just a backup for a show. But somehow, I became a regular the next week. I never knew why."

She added, "I thought the PD gave me a shot. But then one day, I randomly met Kyung Gyu sunbae, and he told me it was actually him who recommended me.”

Kim Sook asked with a smile, “So Kyung Gyu sunbae said nice things about you to the PD?”

Lee Kyung Gyu playfully replied, “Don’t say it in such a childish way,” making everyone laugh.

He then explained more seriously, “The show was Scoop TV Entertainment, and I was pretty much the main MC. When Jin Kyung showed up, I saw her determination and passion."

He added, "While others didn’t seem serious, she really stood out. I told the PD, ‘She seems unique. Why not keep her on the show?’”

Kim Jong Kook chimed in, “So if the main MC said that, doesn’t that mean you basically got her in?”

That made Lee Kyung Gyu happy. He grinned and replied, “Exactly! You speak well. Be like him!”

He added, “After that, Jin Kyung’s career took off. She started doing shows with Lee Young Ja and just kept going.”

Fans are now calling Lee Kyung Gyu not only a top MC, but also a quiet star-maker behind the scenes!

Source: [1]