Just days before cameras were set to roll, the film Turtle (literal title) has found itself in choppy waters. Chae Jong Hyeop has sent a formal notice terminating his contract with producer Popcorn Film, sparking a potential legal battle.
Industry sources confirmed on August 13th that Chae sent a certified letter to Popcorn Film citing “failure to commence filming within the agreed period” as the reason for the pullout. “We repeatedly requested the start of filming, but no action was taken,” said Chae in the notice.
Popcorn Film, represented by law firm Bae, Kim & Lee, disputes the claim. “The May–July schedule in the contract was a preliminary plan,” the company said in its reply. “Exact start and end dates are set according to production conditions, and may be delayed or changed through mutual agreement if unavoidable.”
The company insists Chae had agreed to revised dates, participated in rehearsals and script work, and only recently stopped cooperating. “We had reached the stage for action training and costume fittings,” Popcorn Film claimed. “Since early August, he has unilaterally refused to attend without notice, making it impossible to proceed with the first shoot.”
Chae’s new agency, Blitzway, counters that no formal agreement was reached on postponing production. “The contract clearly specified a filming window,” the agency said. “That period passed due to the production company’s circumstances. We proposed filming after Chae’s drama schedule, but no deal was reached, leaving us no choice but to send the termination notice.”
Both sides say they hope for an amicable settlement, but each has signaled readiness for court if talks collapse. Popcorn Film has warned, “If production is canceled or delayed because of the actor’s refusal, he will be responsible for all resulting damages.” Blitzway responded that while they remain “open to negotiation,” they will pursue “all legal remedies” if needed.
Chae, whose credits include Hot Stove League, Castaway Diva, and the Japanese hit Eye Love You, was set to headline Turtle. Whether he remains aboard now depends on which side wins this off-screen drama.
>> Tall and Talented: What’s Next for Chae Jong Hyeop, Kang Hoon, and More?
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