Just Aired, Korean Drama 'THE FIRST NIGHT WITH THE DUKE' Reported to the Police

The latest Korean drama titled THE FIRST NIGHT WITH THE DUKE, starring Ok Taecyeon from 2PM and Seohyun from Girls' Generation, has sparked major controversy just moments after its airing. The drama, broadcasted by KBS2, is currently under sharp public scrutiny for allegedly damaging a historical cultural site.

The controversy began when the production team was reported to have violated the Byeongsan Seowon site, a Confucian academy in Andong that is listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. The alleged legal violation has led to the drama being reported to the police and has sparked widespread criticism.

In response, the production team held an official press conference and issued an apology for the incident. However, legal proceedings are ongoing, and this case has caught the attention of South Korea's cultural protection authorities. Check out the full explanation below.

1. Damage Occurred During Filming at the Beginning of the Year

Just Aired, Korean Drama The First Night with the Duke Reported to the Police (credit: mydramalist)

This case emerged because the incident occurred during the filming process at the beginning of this year at the historic site of Byeongsan Seowon, Andong. The location is a Confucian academy that has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.

During the filming process, the production team reportedly took illegal actions by damaging the wooden structure of the building. They nailed parts of the building to install shooting props, which is considered a serious violation of the Cultural Heritage Protection Act of South Korea.

2. Filming Location Moved, But Criticism Continues

After public condemnation grew, the production team decided to move the filming location to Hadong, South Gyeongsang Province. However, this move did not immediately quell the criticism from the public and cultural observers.

This is due to the very high historical value of Byeongsan Seowon, which makes the initial actions a significant oversight in the production. Many questioned how filming standard procedures could allow such things to happen at a cultural heritage site.

3. Official Apology from the Director

Just Aired, Korean Drama The First Night with the Duke Reported to Police (credit: mydramalist)

At a press conference held in Seoul on June 11, director Lee Woong Hee publicly apologized for the incident. He mentioned that all scenes recorded at Byeongsan Seowon have been removed from the project.

The director also emphasized that the production team is not shying away from responsibility. According to him, KBS has implemented new guidelines for shooting at cultural sites to prevent similar incidents from happening again.

4. Legal Proceedings and Investigation Ongoing

Three members of the official property team have been referred to the prosecutor's office on charges of damaging cultural property. Meanwhile, the investigation process by the South Korean Police and the Cultural Heritage Administration is still ongoing.

The production team stated that they are fully cooperating with the relevant authorities to resolve this case as best as possible. Although an apology has been made, the investigation will still determine the legal responsibility for the incident.

5. The Story of a Student Who Enters the World of Novels

Just Aired, Korean Drama The First Night with the Duke Reported to the Police (credit: mydramalist)

The drama THE FIRST NIGHT WITH THE DUKE officially premiered on June 11 and features a fantasy-romantic story with a touch of time travel. The story centers around a university student who enters the world of her favorite historical novel and transforms into a minor character named Cha Seon Chaek.

The character, played by Seohyun, is initially not the main character but becomes the center of attention for Prince Lee Beon, played by Ok Taecyeon. From a love triangle conflict to palace dynamics, this drama offers an emotional journey with surprises in every episode.

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(kpl/sjn)