Kim Jung-eun Reveals Behind-the-Scenes Secrets of Lovers in Paris Finale

Actress Kim Jung-eun has issued a public apology for her conduct during the filming of the Lovers in Paris finale, admitting she was scolded by restaurant staff during the production of the hit drama.

Appearing on My Little Old Boy, Kim pulled back the curtain on the professional frictions and behind-the-scenes tensions that plagued the lead cast two decades ago. The 2004 series was a cultural phenomenon in South Korea, but the reality on set was far from the seamless romance seen on screen.

A lingering apology for the finale

The incident centered on a specific reprimand from restaurant staff while the crew worked to capture the series’ ending. According to reports from Chosunbiz and Chosunilbo, Kim now reflects on the event with a mix of apology and awkwardness.

It was a difficult period. Kim noted that she felt angry and that things were awkward back then, starnewskorea.com reported.

Intimidation and distance between leads

The friction extended beyond Kim. She shared insights into the strained relationship between co-stars Park Shin-yang and Lee Dong-gun, noting that Lee maintained a distant demeanor toward Park throughout the shoot, per starnewskorea.com.

The coldness wasn’t born of personal animosity. Instead, it was a matter of professional intimidation. Lee reportedly viewed Park as too perfect an actor, creating a psychological barrier that hindered their interactions on set.

The gap between on-screen perfection and set reality

Even the “perfect” actor had his struggles. Kim disclosed to Sports Chosun that Park Shin-yang had difficulty memorizing lyrics during certain sequences—a detail surfacing 20 years after the drama’s original run.

These revelations highlight the disconnect between the massive ratings of Lovers in Paris and the chaotic environment of its production.

It is a retrospective reminder that the polished final product of early 2000s K-dramas often masked a reality of staff conflicts and actor anxiety.