An audition notice for the period film Hit list, in which Jung Woo-sung transforms into Han Myeong-hoe, is stirring controversy online after listing "maximum-level nudity" and topless scenes among requirements for female actors, raising concerns about the production environment.
Recently, an open call posted by the Hit list team for a female lead and female supporting roles drew massive attention online. According to the notice, director Kim Hong-sun is at the helm, with cast members listed as Jung Woo-sung, Jung Sung-il, and Wi Ha-joon.
Per the production team, the film follows a girl named Lee Hwa, who loses everything in the Gyeyu Coup and sets out to take revenge on strategist Han Myeong-hoe, the man behind the hit list. They also noted that stunt training would be required due to action sequences and that scenes involving nudity are included.
The flashpoint is the casting requirements. For the female lead, the notice specifies: "Female actor in her 20s to early 30s" and "must be able to perform topless scenes and intense action." For female supporting roles, it states: "Female actor in her 20s to early 30s" and "must be able to perform maximum-level nudity and action." The post further says that experience is "not required" and that payment is "not finalized and will be negotiated later."
Online, criticism is pouring in. Many argue the notice is overly explicit in emphasizing the level of nudity demanded from female actors. While offering little about the story context, scene justification, on-set safeguards, consent procedures in contracts, or safety systems, the notice puts "maximum-level nudity" front and center — a point many find deeply troubling.
Some netizens reacted coldly, saying, "How old is Jung Woo-sung, and why are they casting women in their 20s–early 30s opposite him?", "Why does a sex scene have to be in the film?", and "This is why our country's film industry isn't progressing."
Meanwhile, Hit list is based on a webtoon of the same name that has surpassed 120 million cumulative views.