by lo_ve, February 8, 2021
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Production staff of the tvN drama "True Beauty" released their official statement regarding their group photo controversy. 

On February 5th, Cha Eun Woo uploaded a group photo including cast and staff on his Instagram account with the caption, "To all the staff, crew, and casts, you've all worked hard." Soon after, netizens made comments and criticized how they have not followed COVID-19 protocols. 

They criticized the idol-actor for failing to realize what was wrong with the group photo and calling out the production team for being careless by not wearing their masks despite a large number of people are close to one another. Wearing masks and social distancing are part of the protocol for COVID-19 prevention in South Korea.

The group photo was taken at the ceremony of Lim Joo Gyung (played by Moon Ga Young) sister's wedding where all casts and crew were present.

On February 7th, the production team of the tvN drama apologized in the released statement:

"We apologize for making many people worry due to the group photo with staff and cast taken after the end of filming. While we were filming throughout "True Beauty", we strictly followed the protocols in preventing infection transmission and we were able to finish filming safely. However, we caused worry to people because of the group photo. To commemorate the end of filming, staff, crew, and cast temporarily took off their masks to take the group photo. We will do our best to create a safe filming place in which there is not a single moment in which we are careless about the protocol."

tvN's hit drama "True Beauty" starring Cha Eun Woo, Moon Ga Young, Hwang In Yeop and Park Yoo Na, aired its final episode on February 4. The drama ended with an average 4.458 percent nationwide ratings. 

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What are your thoughts on this group photo controversy? Is it overblown?