‘Johnber Doctor’ sparks 65-hour workweek controversy as production company issues formal apology

The ENA drama ‘Johnber Doctor’ has been criticized for conducting excessively long working hours during filming, allegedly violating Korea’s 52-hour workweek limit. In response, the production company issued an apology, stating that it feels a heavy sense of responsibility.

On January 9, the production company The Studio M released an official statement to Dispatch, saying, “We are taking the issue related to filming hours very seriously,” and added, “As a production company, we will responsibly address this matter.”

The company continued, “We explained the tight production conditions to the staff and went through a process of collecting their opinions. However, we ultimately failed to carefully assess the actual intensity of filming and the accumulated fatigue of the staff. We feel a heavy responsibility.”

It further stated, “We will faithfully comply with the 52-hour workweek in all future filming schedules,” adding, “Regarding filming periods that exceeded the 52-hour limit, we will actively consult with staff members and work toward an amicable resolution.”

Earlier, the Hanbit Media Labor Rights Center (hereafter Hanbit Center) publicized the issue of long working hours faced by the staff of ‘Johnber Doctor’. According to the center, the drama enforced 65-hour workweeks for three consecutive weeks last month.

Filming for ‘Johnber Doctor’ began in September last year. During its second week (September 22–28) and sixth week (October 20–26), the production carried out five filming sessions per week, with filming hours alone exceeding 55 hours. From December 8, the drama reportedly filmed five sessions per week for three consecutive weeks, totaling approximately 63 hours per week.

It was also reported that from January 5 to 11, filming was scheduled to continue at 65 hours per week. The Hanbit Center pointed out, “Out of the total 15-week filming period, five weeks violated the 52-hour workweek limit, which is a rare frequency of violations in recent drama production environments.”

The center added, “When long-distance travel of more than three hours round trip is taken into account, seven out of the 15 weeks constitute violations.” It further criticized the production company, stating, “Although the company responded that it had obtained consent forms for 65-hour workweeks from all staff members, written consent does not negate the fact that this constitutes a clear violation of the Labor Standards Act.”

The Hanbit Center stated that it is considering filing a complaint with the labor authorities over the matter. “The severity of these violations cannot be overlooked,” the center said. “We intend to sound the alarm on the increasing violations of the Labor Standards Act at drama production sites.”

Meanwhile, ‘Johnber Doctor’ is a medical romantic comedy drama that follows medical professionals who arrive on the notorious and widely avoided Pyeondong Island. The story centers on public health doctor Do Ji Ui, played by Lee Jae Wook, and a mysterious nurse, Yuk Ha Ri, portrayed by Shin Ye Eun.