'The Midnight Romance in Hagwon' offers apology for problematic drunk driving scene

Amidst growing criticism, the production team behind the popular weekend drama 'The Midnight Romance in Hagwon' took a decisive step, issuing a formal apology on May 21. The controversy stemmed from a particular scene featuring Jung Ryeo Won's character, Seo Hye Jin, engaging in the dangerous act of drunk driving.

In a statement addressing the issue, the production team acknowledged the gravity of the situation, swiftly taking action by removing the contentious scene from all Video-On-Demand (VOD) platforms and future broadcasts, reports allkpop. Their response reflected a commitment to rectify the situation and mitigate any potential harm caused by the scene's portrayal.

Expressing remorse for any discomfort or distress caused to viewers, the team emphasized their dedication to crafting content of the highest quality, promising to prioritize responsible storytelling in the future.

The scene in question depicted Seo Hye Jin consuming alcohol before getting behind the wheel with Lee Jun Ho, portrayed by Wi Ha Joon, sparking concerns among viewers regarding the glamorization and normalization of drunk driving. Prompted by the audience's valid apprehensions, the production team acted swiftly to address the issue and alleviate any misinterpretation of their intentions.

Meanwhile, 'The Midnight Romance in Hagwon' centers around the age-gap romance between star instructor Seo Hye Jin and her former playful student Lee Jun Ho, portrayed by Wi Ha Joon. The series is broadcasted on Saturday and Sunday evenings at 9:20 PM.