SBS has officially confirmed that the premiere of its upcoming series The Long Shot Trial, starring Ha Young, has been postponed. The South Korean network has not yet provided a new broadcast date.
The news comes after months of controversy surrounding Ha Young, related to the actress's family history during the Japanese occupation of Korea.
SBS confirms the postponement of The Long Shot Trial
On October 19, a South Korean media outlet reported that the broadcast plans for The Long Shot Trial had been put on hold. Shortly after, an SBS representative confirmed the information through an official statement.
It is true that the series' broadcast schedule has been adjusted, the network stated, confirming the delay of a premiere that was originally planned for the first half of next year.
The SBS representative added: As this is a production involving a large number of crew and cast members, we are carefully considering various options, but nothing concrete has been decided yet regarding a new broadcast period.
What is The Long Shot Trial about
The Long Shot Trial is based on a Japanese series and is presented as a lighthearted legal comedy. The plot follows a motley group of employees at a law firm led by Kwon Baek, played by Lee Je Hoon, a former lawyer who now works as the office manager.
Ha Young plays Yeo Shim Hee, a rookie lawyer who lacks money and influential connections, but who works harder than anyone to make her way in the firm.
The family controversy affecting Ha Young
In August, Ha Young was embroiled in a controversy after it was revealed that her great-grandfather was Ahn Sang Ho, a figure known for his pro-Japanese activities during the period of the Japanese occupation of Korea.
Faced with the controversy, Ha Young published a handwritten apology in which she stated: As a descendant, I sincerely apologize, in reference to her great-grandfather's pro-Japanese actions.
Following this episode, the actress decided to voluntarily withdraw from the new seasons of the Netflix series The Trauma Code: Heroes On Call, a production in which she had already been confirmed as part of the cast.
What happens now with the finished filming
Despite the controversy, Ha Young had already concluded her participation in the filming of The Long Shot Trial before the postponement arose. However, despite having finished recording, SBS has decided to ultimately postpone the series' broadcast.
For the moment, the network has not specified whether the delay is directly linked to the controversy surrounding Ha Young, nor has it offered a new premiere window. SBS has only indicated that it continues to evaluate different alternatives before announcing a definitive date.
Frequently asked questions about The Long Shot Trial
Why has the premiere of The Long Shot Trial been delayed?
SBS confirmed that the broadcast schedule has been adjusted, although it did not detail the exact reasons for the postponement or officially confirm a direct relationship with the Ha Young controversy.
When will The Long Shot Trial premiere on SBS?
There is no confirmed date yet. The series was originally scheduled for the first half of next year, but SBS has indicated that a new broadcast period has not yet been decided.
Who stars in The Long Shot Trial?
The main cast consists of Lee Je Hoon, in the role of Kwon Baek, and Ha Young, who plays the rookie lawyer Yeo Shim Hee.
What controversy affects Ha Young?
Ha Young was involved in a controversy after it was revealed that her great-grandfather, Ahn Sang Ho, was a figure known for his pro-Japanese activities during the Japanese occupation of Korea. The actress publicly apologized for this fact.
Did the controversy affect other Ha Young projects?
Yes. Ha Young voluntarily withdrew from the new seasons of the Netflix series The Trauma Code: Heroes On Call, in which she had been previously confirmed as part of the cast.
Was the filming of The Long Shot Trial completed?
Yes, Ha Young had already finished her participation in the filming of the series before the postponement of its broadcast was announced.
