[Interview] Illegal Filming Victim High School Girl Accused? Statement from 'Yeogochuriban 2' Director

TVING Original 'Yeogo Churiban 2' PD Jeong Jong-yeon
"Will Handle Crime Themes Carefully"

Photo by TVING

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Jung Jong-yeon, PD of 'High School Mystery Club 2,' apologized for the inappropriate handling of the illegal filming subject matter in the directing approach.

In a recent video interview, PD Jung said, "While directing the crime-themed mystery thriller 'High School Mystery Club,' I should have handled the subject matter more carefully," adding, "I apologize to those who felt uncomfortable with the specific content."

The online video service (OTT) Tving original variety show 'High School Mystery Club,' directed by Jung Jong-yeon, aired its first season in January last year and gained great popularity. From December 31 of that year until the 25th of last month, all nine episodes of season 2 were released.

The seventh episode became controversial. In episode 7, Sun Woo-kyung (Let Me Mo) falsely reported to a teacher that an illegal camera was installed in the women's restroom, then proceeded to install another camera herself. Woo-kyung framed a male administrative staff member who came in to find the camera as the culprit, leading to his dismissal. Subsequently, the students developed strong distrust toward the school and staff, while Woo-kyung received support online.

Viewer reactions to the episode were mixed. Some responded that it meaningfully depicted society's neglect of women's fear and anxiety caused by illegal filming, while others criticized the approach as inappropriate in handling the sexual violence experienced by female adolescents and the harsh societal gaze surrounding it.

Moreover, portraying the female adolescent as the perpetrator who falsely accused someone and depicting an adult male as the victim was seen as inappropriate, considering the recent seriousness of such crimes. Critics pointed out a lack of thoughtful consideration in addressing discrimination and violence. Unfortunately, illegal filming (molka) crimes are widespread in reality, and there are strong voices that the punishment levels and methods are inadequate. Connecting this issue to 'false accusation' was viewed as a reckless approach.

Regarding this, PD Jung Jong-yeon explained, "'High School Mystery Club' is fundamentally a mystery and thriller, so crime themes naturally appear. I should have handled any subject matter more carefully."

"We structure the story so that crime situations are not revealed in a fixed, predictable pattern. From the perspective of adding a twist, it was believable that Sun Woo-kyung (a female high school student) acted that way, which made the lie possible. I sincerely apologize to those who felt uncomfortable with the specific content."

PD Jung emphasized that it was a device to add a twist to the plot. He said, "There were parts I took for granted. The character used the illegal filming theme in a reversed way as part of the story. I hope those who viewed it negatively will be generous in their understanding."

He also promised, "I will strive to select subject matter while considering your emotional sensitivities."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.