‘The King of Tears Lee Bang Won’ Controversy: Prosecution Slams Drama Officials With Animal Abuse Charges

The prosecution charged the drama officials of "The King of Tears Lee Bang Won" for violating the Animal Protection Act due to the horse abuse incident.

After wrapping up the historical K-drama, in May 2022, the series continues to face issues regarding the incident that happened during production.

A year after the KBS drama was released, drama officials and staff members are set to face charges for the horse abuse case raised by animal welfare KAWA.

'The King of Tears Lee Bang Won' Controversy: Prosecution Charged 4 Drama Officials for Violating Animal Protection Act

According to a local media outlet, the production team of "The King of Tears Lee Bang Won" was sent to the prosecution for violating the Animal Protection Act.

It was after the formal charges have been filed and submitted by the Korea Animal Welfare Association (KAWA) for causing injury or physical pain to the animal used on the set.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Recent K-dramas That Almost Got Canceled Due to Controversy: 'Snowdrop,' 'The King of Tears, Lee Bang-Won,' More

Due to this, the director, martial arts director, and horse rider team manager were charged with animal abuse while KBS is slammed for violating the Animal Protection Act.

Apart from it, the broadcast network will also face charges of imposing a fine under Article 46-2 of the Animal Protection Act.

On the other hand, KAWA released a statement amid the prosecution's decision towards the historical K-drama.

"It is said that Kkami (the abused horse) died a week after filming 'The King of Tears Lee Bang Won.' It is a great regret that we have not been able to hold them accountable," the organization said, as obtained by the same outlet.

'The King of Tears Lee Bang Won' Controversy Highlight

To recall, the historical K-drama was embroiled in a controversy after the behind-the-scenes of "The King of Tears Lee Bang Won" caught the public's attention.

In the scene, it featured a horse running at full speed with lead star Kim Yeong Cheol who played King King Taejo, who accidentally fell from the horse.

Meanwhile, the horse fell head over heels to the ground, causing major physical injuries.

While the actor was safe from the incident, the broadcast network released a statement confirming that the horse died a week after the incident.

Due to this, KBS apologized and "feel deeply responsible for the accident that occurred during filming."

Despite the apology statement, the public along with the animal rights organization slammed "The King of Tears Lee Bang Won" with criticisms.

In addition, several stars like Yoo Yeon Seok, who is known for being an animal lover, and BH Entertainment CEO Son Seok Woo expressed their disappointment with how the team handled the situation.

As a result, the saeguk drama headlined by Jo Sang Wook halts airing for four straight weeks after KBS issued a temporary suspension.

READ MORE: 'The King of Tears, Lee Bang Won' Canceled for the Fourth Week

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Written by Geca Wills