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Fire destroys Maids set, kills one staffer

This is horrible news: Only one episode into its run, JTBC’s new fusion sageuk drama Maids suffered a terrible accident yesterday when a fire broke out on the set and killed one staff member.

The source of the fire is undetermined at the moment, but what is known is that it occurred at the drama’s set location on Saturday, December 13. That day, 73 cast and crew members were there to film, although they were not in the middle of filming when the fire broke out around 1 p.m.

Perhaps it’s fortunate that it was lunchtime, because 59 had left the building to take their lunches. There were 14 filming and lighting staffers in the building at work when the fire started, and of them 13 were able to escape to safety. One staffer, 35-year-old main script coordinator Yeom Hye-sun, was working in the production office on the second floor; she was unable to escape and died in the fire.

On December 14, a rep with the drama’s production company, Drama House, issued a formal statement wherein they expressed their apologies and stated that the police are currently investigating the cause.

Aside from the fact that any accident or death is a terrible thing, there are a few key points being pointed out by the press, the first being that JTBC is having a streak of misfortune. Sadly, the Maids accident isn’t the first one to strike the cable station.

In March of 2013, three staffers of JTBC’s sageuk drama Cruel Palace: War of the Roses were in a truck collision accident; two died, while one suffered minor injuries. Then in April of this year, the drama Wild Chives and Soybean Soup (aka Jang-gook Becomes Dallae) lost two members of their wardrobe staff, who died in a traffic accident.

Adding insult to injury, the set that caught fire was the drama’s only set… so where does that leave the show? Only one episode has aired, with Saturday’s episode (their second) pre-empted in light of the accident news. I’d presume that the drama has a few episodes filmed that could make it to air, but surely they’ll need to find a new set location quickly if they are to proceed.

I caught the show’s premiere and found it very well-done — it’s still too early to know much of the story, but the drama is beautiful and gorgeously scored. It’s also well-acted on Jung Yumi’s part (though I wonder if there will ever be a day when Oh Ji-ho breaks through and learns how to show emotions). I’m intrigued at the whole slaves-versus-nobility premise, and already we can see hints of how those dynamics will come to play into later episodes.

And yet, this is a case where I wonder if it might not be better for the drama to just cut its losses and walk away, as MBC did with Wolf in 2006. (There was an on-set car accident involving Eric, who was badly injured, and production halted three episodes in. It had been planned for 16 total, but instead just went off the air.) It’s still so early in Maids’ run that quitting might not be the worst decision to make, considering the effort it would require in order to keep going.

Furthermore, it’s not like it’s leaving a gaping hole in a peak airing slot, since JTBC actually created a new slot on the schedule just for the show; it wouldn’t be too strange to just close it up again. If Maids returns to its planned schedule (although how could it?), it will air on Friday and Saturday nights.

Via Asiae, Joy News, Asia Today

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yes! we do feel very sorry to the deceased. but the show shouldn't be stopped considering the efforts of other staff cast and crews

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My condolences to the family.

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I know this may come off as heartless. I'll preface everything I say with the fact that I don't know the how the entertainment industry operates in Korea. However, closing down a production in the States -- even in the face of tragedy -- is not so back and white.

I was born in Hollywood and lived most of my life in Los Angeles. I've had a lot of friends and family in the entertainment industry, from production assistants to head writers. I'm fairly knowledgeable in this area.

As others have mentioned, there is a real economic impact whenever there is a decision or an event that closes down production. Whether it's a sudden cancellation of a show or a writers strike, the effects can be devastating. It's not just the cast and crew who suffer, it's all the mom & pop businesses that support it... local cafes, dry cleaners... everything. Some go out of business.

There are several instances where "the show must go on" prevailed even in the most devastating of circumstances. Even when it's a lead actor who has died. Even in the very beginning of a run.

I am aware there are real differences in television production between the US and Korea. Korean shows for the most part have a limited time run. I'm guessing the ramp-up to shooting is shorter, whereas in the States it can be years in the making. Perhaps in that sense the impact of shutting down production is lessened?

In this circumstance, regardless of other factors, the loss of an entire set may make the economics of continuing unfeasible. Aside from all else, it may make more sense to cut the financial losses.

Add whatever cultural differences there are in dealing with tragedy, public sentiment, and so forth... I'm not going to pretend I know what happens in South Korea, or how to best deal with this situation.

I apologize for my rambling. My point is that -- at least in the States -- what is the best thing to do in these circumstances is not so cut and dried. What may seem cold and heartless, when looked at it from a broader perspective, may be the most kind and generous option. We're not privy to what's involved. I'm not going to make a judgment as to what's right or wrong, at least not until I have more facts.

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Very insightful. Thank you for your viewpoint.

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It's a tragedy, really. I hope they get down to it and find out what really happened, and my condolences to the family of the deceased.

On a different note, though, I don't quite understand why everyone is saying that no one will want to watch the show and that it should be stopped now. Someone care to explain?

Personally, I feel like it's in cases like this that the production has to keep on going no matter what, in honor of the deceased. They owe it to her. Also, I would think that more people would want to see it. Someone died working on it, it should at least spark interest as to what they were working on when the tragedy happened.

I guess it all comes down, like people said, to how we interpret the situation. Those who think going forward is being money-hungry despite someone's death might believe pulling off is the best thing to do, but for me, that's just disrespect towards the dead and the living. There's an entire crew working on this project that will lose revenue if the drama is stopped, not to mention that the deceased died while working on it, and it would be all for nothing if the show never gets aired. I hope it keeps on going. Fighting!

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Terrible news!! All my thoughts to the member's family!!

Sad news for the drama as well. The plot sounded good and JB's positive first impressions sadded me even more. Don't know why everyone's thinking that the drama should just go off the air??

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There was an accident during the filming of Gaksital, too (the last episode had a name up in the beginning screen offering "deepest condolences"), a minor actor died in a bus accident related to the filming. However, the producers or whoever was responsible for financing the show hardly gave the deceased's family any compensation, just enough for the funeral. I was very disappointed when I heard of this because I loved Gaksital as a show and didn't like to hear of such corruption going on behind its production.

I hope they compensate this lady's family enough in consideration of the fact that her life was taken and her family won't be the same as before. That's the least they can do.

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Just read:

UPDATE: New episodes of Maids officially delayed until end of January due to tragic fire
http://www.dramafever.com/news/update-new-episodes-of-maids-officially-delayed-until-end-of-january-due-to-tragic-fire/

and...

Production company releases apology after deadly fire on the set of Maids
http://www.dramafever.com/news/production-company-releases-apology-after-deadly-fire-on-the-set-of-maids/

According to this, the woman who died was the main scriptwriter. I read another story that said she was "one of the main writers".

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That's a mistranslation. She was the head "scripter," which is not a scriptwriter but a script coordinator (the person who checks for continuity from script to screen, scene to scene, etc). A different word is used for writer.

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That's what I'd thought, was surprised to see it changed today.

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This is sad news! I really loved the first show. It would be a shame and great lost if they do not stand up and wipe themselves off and continue on with it. Why give up? That is not what a company does so easily. We had a fire that destroyed all of our equipment but that did not stop us. We started the company right back up.
Please don't let other tell you to give up! Smile and push forward. You can do it!
Wishing you the best.
Donna
From Ohio, USA

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I am so sorry concerning the tragedy. I have become a fan of Korean movies and tv series. I constantly referred back to watch more episodes and wondered what may had happened to the series, now I can understand. If the series does not return, you will still have a devoted fan!!!!!
Take care.

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May Yeom Hye Sun Rest In Peace.

My sincere condolences to her family, friends and colleagues. The show is back on the air as of today. Let's hope and pray that all goes well from here on.

여러분 감사합니다. 힘내세요!

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I'm really sorry. But the start of this series was great. Please don't give up. Thank you.

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sorry For Loss of the Crew Member! But Omg Please Don't cancel the show It's soo Good I love the chemistry between the main leads !

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I really love this drama and each episode gives a warming scene, especially i'm really curious with the ending of In Yub and Mo Myung. I hope dramabeans start to review this drama.
Thank you

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My condolences to the family and friends of Yeom Hye-sun. I, personally, would want my work to be displayed after I die. Knowing that her work made this great drama should make them proud.

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