Actors and Appearance Fees: The Aftermath of Drama Filming Completion

According to the announcement made by the Korea Broadcasting Actors Union on July 18th, the majority of production companies are still adhering to the traditional practice of compensating actors after the drama’s release, rather than upon completion of filming. Furthermore, the fees are determined based on the number of broadcasts, rather than the duration of filming.

It has been brought to attention by numerous individuals that the current method is ill-suited for the present state of the drama market. During a phone call with Sports Donga on the 18th, Secretary-General Song Chang-gon of the Korea Broadcasting Actors Union stated, “As a result of pre-production, numerous actors have been waiting for up to two years to receive their compensation for their roles.”He also added, “Typically, the contract terms and conditions are based on the airing date, making it impossible to legally protest.”

Due to financial difficulties, broadcasters have reduced the number of drama productions per year. As a result, actors are now facing longer wait times for payment. Currently, there are approximately 30 dramas on hold for broadcast, and actors are eagerly anticipating their release.

Despite potential challenges, the Korea Broadcasting Actors Union and Korea Entertainment Management Association are advocating for the revision of the standard contract for actors’ appearances in response to raised concerns. Should the standard contract remain in place, broadcasters and producers will need to adjust the timing of appearance fee settlements.

The Secretary-General, Song, stressed the importance of closely monitoring the situation at the association level, as there is a possibility of more actors facing damages due to unpaid appearance fees in the future.

Despite facing criticism, Number Three Pictures has yet to compensate 119 actors who were featured in the completed OTT dramas “High School Return of a Gangster”and “Secret Fingers”last year. The company has assured to partially reimburse the actors in the previous month and intends to finalize the remaining payment by the conclusion of August.

Despite suspicions of unpaid appearance fees for KBS 2TV’s upcoming show “Perfect Family”, Victory Content has denied the allegations by stating that the actors have already been compensated. It has since been clarified that there was a misunderstanding during the contract revision with one of the actors.