ENA drama ‘Jonbeo Doctor’ has come under scrutiny following allegations that its production violated South Korea’s 52 hour workweek limit, prompting a formal apology and response from the production company.
On January 9, production company The Studio M acknowledged concerns regarding excessive working hours during filming, stating that it takes the issue “very seriously” and accepts responsibility for shortcomings in on set labor management.
Production Company Acknowledges Responsibility
In a statement provided to local media, The Studio M apologized directly to staff members, saying it failed to adequately consider the actual workload and accumulated fatigue of crew members despite prior discussions about the production schedule. “We deeply apologize to the staff who worked tirelessly on set,” the company said, adding that it feels a “heavy sense of responsibility” for the situation.
The company emphasized that while it had attempted to adjust schedules and explain production constraints, the outcome did not sufficiently protect staff well being.
Allegations of Repeated Work Hour Violations
The controversy surfaced after the Hanbit Media Labor Rights Center publicly raised concerns about long working hours on the ‘Johnver Doctor’ set. According to the organization, the production allegedly conducted filming for approximately 65 hours per week over three consecutive weeks, exceeding the legal limit.
The center further stated that during the 15 week production period, at least five weeks involved violations of the 52 hour rule, with the number increasing to seven weeks when long distance travel times reportedly exceeding three hours round trip were included.
Specific periods cited include late September, late October, and a stretch beginning in early December, during which weekly filming reportedly exceeded 60 hours. Additional extended schedules were also allegedly planned for early January.
Legal Concerns and Potential Complaint
The Hanbit Center criticized the frequency and scale of the alleged violations, calling them “unusual in recent drama production environments.” The organization also stated that even if written consent for extended hours was obtained, such agreements would not override labor law protections.
The center has indicated it is reviewing the possibility of filing a formal complaint with labor authorities, citing the need to address what it described as a growing pattern of labor law violations in drama production.
Commitment to Corrective Measures
In response, The Studio M stated that it will strictly comply with the 52 hour workweek for all future filming schedules. The company also said it plans to actively consult with staff regarding compensation or adjustments related to already completed overtime work. Additionally, the production company announced it will fully reorganize on site operations to ensure a safer and more sustainable working environment moving forward.
About the Drama
‘Jonbeo Doctor’ is a medical romantic comedy set on the remote island of Pyeondongdo, following healthcare workers stationed in an isolated and often avoided location. The series stars Lee Jae-wook as public health doctor Do Ji-ui and Shin Ye-eun as nurse Yuk Ha-ri.
As discussions around labor conditions in the Korean entertainment industry continue, the situation surrounding ‘Jonbeo Doctor’ has renewed attention on production practices and compliance with labor standards.