The Ultimate Irony: Drama About ‘Losers’ Delayed 3 Years Due to Cast’s Bullying Scandals Finally Airs

2025-02-21 16:18

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K-Drama adaptation of popular webtoon History of Losers overcomes multiple cast controversies, set to premiere on February 26

After being shelved for three years due to a string of school bullying scandals involving its cast, the long-awaited K-drama History of Losers has finally announced its release, accompanied by a teaser trailer.

Webtoon-based drama 'History of Losers'. / YouTube, wavve
Webtoon-based drama "History of Losers". / YouTube, wavve

From Hit Webtoon to Delayed Drama

Based on the beloved webtoon by Kim Poong, History of Losers is a romantic comedy that explores the painfully relatable struggles of young love, portraying the cringe-worthy, immature moments of early relationships.

Originally serialized from November 2013 to March 2017, the webtoon earned praise for its raw, humorous, and emotionally realistic storytelling—a refreshing contrast to the typical sugar-coated romance genre. Fans particularly resonated with the detailed psychological depth and compelling character arcs.

Webtoon-based drama 'History of Losers'     Jo Byeong-kyu. / YouTube, wavve
Webtoon-based drama "History of Losers" Jo Byeong-kyu. / YouTube, wavve

The drama adaptation features Jo Byeong-kyu, Ryeo-un, and Jung Jae-kwang in lead roles:

Jo Byung-gyu plays Seo Min-gi, an overthinker who constantly second-guesses himself in relationships.

Ryeo-un takes on the role of Noh Jun-seok, a heartthrob struggling with emotional barriers due to childhood trauma.

Jung Jae-kwang portrays Kwon Ki-hyuk, a hardworking young man juggling multiple part-time jobs to overcome financial hardships.

Additional cast members include Song Ha-yoon, Bang Min-ah, and Lee Min-ji.

Webtoon-based drama 'History of Losers'  Bang Minah. / YouTube, wavve
Webtoon-based drama "History of Losers" Bang Minah. / YouTube, wavve

Bullying Allegations & the 3-Year Delay

Despite completing filming in August 2022, the drama remained in limbo due to ongoing controversies surrounding its cast.

Jo Byeong-kyu. / Jo Byeong-kyu Instagram
Jo Byeong-kyu. / Jo Byeong-kyu Instagram

Jo Byeong-kyu was accused of school bullying in 2021, but after a police investigation, the claims were proven false, and the accuser issued a public apology. Meanwhile, Song Ha-yoon’s agency denied all allegations, but further accusations surfaced, leading her to halt all activities indefinitely.

Webtoon-based drama "History of Losers". / YouTube, wavve

The situation took a toll on Kim Poong, the original creator and co-writer of the drama, who expressed his frustration on Instagram at the time, posting a simple yet powerful message: "I’m losing my mind."

Final Cut: Major Edits & What to Expect

The latest teaser for History of Losers confirms that Song Ha-yoon’s scenes have been completely removed. While details remain undisclosed, industry insiders suggest her role will be heavily edited in the final cut.

Song Ha-yoon. / Song Ha-yoon's Instagram
Song Ha-yoon. / Song Ha-yoon's Instagram

Where to Watch

Despite the tumultuous production journey, Loser’s History is finally set to premiere on February 26 via the OTT platform Watcha.

Will this long-delayed drama redeem itself and win over audiences, or will its controversial history overshadow its release? Fans and critics alike are watching closely.

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