Production staff of 'Taste of Wife' apologize for fabricated scenes

The production staff of the popular TV Chosun's popular reality show "Taste of Wife" apologized after it was revealed that scenes featuring couple Ham So-won and Jin Hua were fabricated. They also announced that the third season of the show will..

Jin Hua, left and Ham So-won. [ILGAN SPORTS]

The production staff of TV Chosun's popular reality show “Taste of Wife” apologized after it was revealed that scenes featuring couple Ham So-won and Jin Hua were fabricated. They also announced that the third season of the show will end earlier than planned.

The controversy arose at the end of March when netizens pointed out striking similarities between a villa that Ham’s in-laws claimed to be the owners of and an Airbnb rental.

The staff admitted that there were parts of episodes that were “exaggerated” for effect, and apologized to the viewers for undermining their trust.

“Our standard procedures [for the show] is that we interview all cast prior to the filming and organize the episodes based on those interviews,” the staff explained. “But there is a limit to how much we can fact check regarding personal matters such as assets.”

The last episode will air on Tuesday.

Ham and Jin Hua, who are well known for the 18-year age gap in their relationship, have been one of the most popular couples on the program since they first appeared on the show in June 2018. Due to the recent controversy, Ham stepped down from the show on March 28, but the couple has yet to make a statement regarding the issues.

BY LEE JAE-LIM [lee.jaelim@joongang.co.kr]