Ma Dong Seok’s Upcoming Drama ‘Hive’ Suspended Due To Financial Issue? Production Company Speaks Out

Ma Dong Seok's K-drama comeback "Hive" is reportedly halted due to financial issues.

After more than five years, the top star is set to return to the small screen with a forthcoming webtoon-based thriller action drama. However, updates say that there's been a delay with the shoot because of the production budget.

Ma Dong Seok's New Drama Experiences Financial Problems? Here's What the Production Company Says

In a report cited by MK Sports, the actor's agency BIG PUNCH Entertainment addressed the issue concerning the series. A representative released a brief statement confirming that the filming was postponed due to production costs.

"The payment for [Ma Dong Seok's] appearance is also being delayed," the official added.

Moreover, the label also shared that they are waiting for the production company ASCENDIO's official confirmation regarding the "Train to Busan" star's appearance.

On the other hand, ASCENDIO responded to these claims and denied that they are no concerns regarding the filming budget.

In a report, the production company halted the series because it is still in the "pre-production stage."

"It is not that production has halted, but rather we are still in discussion," a representative explained, adding, "We are in the pre-production stage, but there are edits being made to the script, so filming is being delayed."

In terms of the artist's payment, ASCENDIO said that Ma Dong Seok has not appeared in the show yet adding "the expression of being 'unpaid' does not fit [in this scenario]."

The upcoming series is helmed by Kwak Kyung Taek of "The Battle of Jangsari" and Lee Khan of "Grid" with the K-drama based on the webtoon of the same name.

Ma Dong Seok was offered to headline "Hive" and play the role of Gae Jang Soo.

"Hive" illustrate the chaos after giant insects took over the earth, threatening human civilization.

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With this, Gae Jang Soo is responsible for fighting these creatures to help the earth return to its pristine state.

Ma Dong Seok's new drama is set to be released on Hulu with six episodes for the whole season.

In addition, the production for the 6-episode series reportedly costs 20 billion won or approximately $15.7 million.

Ma Dong Seok's Upcoming Projects for 2023

Besides "Hive," Ma Dong Seok is booked and busy in the coming months.

Apart from the third installment of "The Outlaws" titled The Roundup: No Way Out," he will also star in the fourth sequel "The Roundup: Punishment" with Kim Mu Yeol and lee Doing Hwi.

Adding to the list of his upcoming films is the "Holy Night: Demon Hunters" and "The Wilderness."

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Written by Geca Wills