"SKY Castle" Director Jo Hyun Tak Comments On Script Leak, OST Plagiarism Controversy, And Auditions For Student Roles

“SKY Castle” director Jo Hyun Tak shared his thoughts at a recent press conference.

At the press conference, Jo Hyun Tak addressed the script leak in which scripts were circulated online before the episodes aired. He said, “The editing department belatedly received news about the script leak. We were flustered to the point it couldn’t even be described in words.” He added, “While we were considering how we should end episode 17, we heard the news that the script had been leaked online, and I was very angry. I thought this should have never happened.”

Jo Hyun Tak further commented, “In addition to the problem of copyright, I think this was a serious crime to have the script that the actors and staff worked so hard on be released so easily. While some people have said that this is a sign of fame, I don’t think so.” He added, “I think this is something that can’t happen again in the drama industry in the future. Currently, the [police] investigation is underway, and we’re waiting for a proper result.”

“SKY Castle” was also swept up in a plagiarism controversy over the OST “We All Lie.” In response, director Jo Hyun Tak said, “I didn’t know about it. I haven’t listened to the original song. I heard of the news late yesterday while finishing the editing for episode 20. Since we haven’t finished checking everything, I don’t think I can say anything about it.” He added that he personally trusts director Kim Tae Sung saying, “I don’t think there is anything to be concerned about, but I’m not sure, so it’s hard to say exactly.”

The director also talked about the strong casting for the student roles. Director Jo Hyun Tak explained that he met the child actors himself through auditions without a casting director. He said, “Since there was no casting director, I gathered the rookie actors with the assistant director and started the auditions. All the staff who could participate on the day of the audition joined, and we talked together. Everyone wrote their opinions anonymously on paper and submitted it. When looking at everyone’s opinion after the auditions ended that day, you could see each actors’ unique personality. That’s how we decided the cast one by one through the auditions. Before starting to film, we talked a lot while commuting to and from work.”

The “SKY Castle” director also expressed his thanks by sharing, “Everything went smoothly because we picked people who were very talented. I’m thankful that everyone stayed strong even amidst a tight schedule.”

Recently, “SKY Castle” has been receiving much love and breaking records for viewership ratings. The last episode of “SKY Castle” will air February 1 at 11 p.m. KST, and drama will also be soon available on Viki with English subtitles.

Source (1) (2) (3)