[HanCinema's News] New Accusations Continue to Pile up Against Seo Yea-ji

Allegations of inappropriate behavior against Seo Yea-ji are taking on an unusual breadth, as there is now variety to the accusations across multiple timeframes and anecdotes. In general the main charge levied against Seo Yea-ji is that she is rude and hostile to staff, even superiors, and has been known to make people uncomfortable with her behavior. While none of the accusations arise to a criminal level, the unpleasant depictions of Seo Yea-ji's demeanor may cost her presumed role on "Island - Drama" later this year.

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In the most specifically dated allegation, an entertainment news journalist claimed via YouTube broadcast that at the press conference for "Another Way" back in 2017, Seo Yea-ji spoke about how she had to film a scene with real smoke. She had believed the smoke would be added post-production and described the scene as very unpleasant. While writer/director Jo Chang-ho apologized on the spot for the inconvenience, Seo Yea-ji continued to publicly berate him as he sat in silence.

Purportedly the smoke was only for short shots that would later be enhanced with computer graphics post-production. Jo Chang-ho claimed to have explained the issue to both Seo Yea-ji herself and her manager multiple times. That she would still continue to hold a grudge over the matter two years later is surprising, given such complaints were antithetical to the film's marketing. Jo Chang-ho says he now directly associates her name with trauma.

In a far less clearly sourced claim, Seo Yea-ji has been alleged to have been in a close personal relationship with famed director Chang Tae-you. The famed Chang Tae-you is an odd name to bring up in such a context, as he has never produced a drama in which Seo Yea-ji starred in any credited capacity. Chang Tae-you's agency has reacted aggressively to this allegation, calling it completely false and threatening legal action against any who spread it.

Elsewhere anonymous personal staff members are offering conflicting narrative. Some have claimed Seo Yea-ji is highly abusive, yelling at staff for minor errands and treating them. Some such comments come from online identities that made similar claims about unnamed celebrities last year. But other staff have spoken out in support of Seo Yea-ji, offering personal selfies taken with the actress as proof of their relationship. Seo Yea-ji's overall situation remains ambiguous, though she is not trending positively.

Written by William Schwartz