'Five Fingers' Noise Marketing From The Removal Of Ham Eun Jung?

SBS's new weekend drama, "Five Fingers" is drawing people's attention on whether it would be able to record a high viewing rate just like its precedent, "A Gentleman's Dignity." However, the attention originates not from a good storyline nor from fine performances of the actors. Instead, it comes from the 'sudden throw-out of the cast' and the 'overlapping appearance of the cast.' 

"Five Fingers" left a fierce impression on the viewers since its first episode was aired on 18th of August. Typical elements of soap opera like secrets of birth and murder trials, along with the fine performances of middle-aged actors like Chae Si Ra and Cho Min Gi and of child actors drew the attentions of television viewers. 

"Five Fingers" focused on its storyline and cast during its first two episodes, but the doubtful throw-out of Ham Eun Jung and sudden replacement by Jin Se Yeon are what placed "Five Fingers" on the top search term rankings. Only two episodes have been aired, and rather than the storyline of the show, other 'side effects' are what makes "Five Fingers" known to the public.

Since the staffs of "Five Fingers" announced the throw-out of Ham Eun Jung publically through press release, both Korea Entertainment Management Association and Korea Broadcasting Actors Union announced their statement that 'the throw-out of Ham Eun Jung is inappropriate.' 

The staffs shortly expressed their position on 22nd of August, saying that "the throw-out of Eunjung from Hong Da Mi's cast was determined after long discussion and consideration due to the circumstances' and that 'her successor is yet to be chosen, but will be determined as soon as possible so that 'Five Fingers' can meet the expectations of the viewers.' They mentioned 'circumstances,' but did not elaborate on them, bringing about more curiosities. Numerous medias have reported about this, and "Five Fingers" ranked on the top search lists on a number of portal sites, causing unintended promotion effects.

This situation dragged internet users into the home page of "Five Fingers." Under this noisy situation, the staffs deleted the pictures of Ham Eun Jung from the home page, and replaced it with the pictures of Jin Se Yeon, making people curious about the rapid speed of the progress.

It wasn't just about the throw-out of Ham Eun Jung. The staffs of KBS "Bridal Mask" expressed their critical point of view on the situation to the staffs of "Five Fingers." Currently, Jin Se Yeon is making her appearance as the main female character on "Bridal Mask," and her appearance on "Five Fingers" seem out of accordance with the custom of not making overlapping appearances on more than on show. 

Jin Se Yeon's management agency seemed to be in an awkward situation, and the conflicts between KBS, SBS and management agency seemed to be exacerbated. However, Jin Se Yeon appeared on the production set of "Five Fingers" on 23rd of August, and the situation seemed to be concluded for the time being. 

After all, "Five Fingers" benefited a lot from unintended promotion effects from this situation. Soon after the premiere of the show, it brought about a lot of controversies, and therefore, the viewers are focusing their attention on the show. However, they are hoping to see the birth of a new 'well-made drama' by the fine storyline and performances of the actors, rather than controversies. The staffs should dispel the controversies and meet the expectations of the viewers by making the finest drama.