Lee Chung Ah May Exit ‘The Obedient Killer’ After Car Accident Worsens Back Injury

Lee Chung Ah’s upcoming drama The Obedient Killer could be facing a major casting change after the actress suffered an injury in a recent car accident that reportedly aggravated an existing back condition.

On Friday, September 18, Lee Chung Ah’s agency, Management SOOP, confirmed that the actress had been involved in a traffic accident and said discussions were underway regarding her possible departure from the TVING drama. The series is currently being prepared for the streaming platform’s 2027 lineup.

The actress reportedly resumed filming after receiving treatment, but her recovery has now become a concern for the production. A doctor has advised Lee to significantly limit her movement for at least a month, according to reports.

With the drama expected to include action sequences, the medical recommendation could make it difficult for her to continue filming on the original schedule.

Lee Chung Ah Wanted to Continue Filming

According to MyDaily, the accident reportedly happened last month while Lee Chung Ah was traveling to the drama set.

The incident allegedly aggravated a back problem that originated from an earlier accident. Despite the pain, Lee reportedly wanted to complete her work on The Obedient Killer and continued filming after receiving medical treatment.

However, the latest medical advice has forced the production team to reassess the situation.

Reports suggest that Lee’s scenes may have already been postponed while the production waits for her condition to improve. If her recovery takes longer than expected, the team could ultimately consider replacing her in the drama.

Management SOOP has confirmed that discussions about her potential withdrawal are taking place, but no final decision has been announced.

Previous Injury Had Already Affected Her

The recent accident reportedly brought back problems from an injury Lee Chung Ah suffered last year.

The actress was previously involved in a traffic accident while preparing for the ENA drama Honour. Earlier this year, she discussed the injury during an appearance on actor Yoo Yeon Seok’s YouTube channel.

Lee explained that she had slightly injured her hip in August, shortly before filming began. What initially appeared to be a relatively minor injury eventually developed into pain affecting her lower back and neck.

According to her account, the timing made treatment more difficult. Production for Honour began soon after the accident, meaning the ideal window for receiving treatment had already passed.

After completing Honour, Lee moved on to The Obedient Killer. However, another traffic accident while she was heading to the new drama’s set reportedly worsened the existing condition.

Action Scenes Could Complicate Production

The biggest challenge for The Obedient Killer is reportedly the physical nature of some of its scenes.

While details of Lee Chung Ah’s role have not been fully revealed, the drama is expected to feature action sequences that could require physically demanding performances. With doctors advising her to restrict movement for at least a month, returning immediately to that type of filming could prove difficult.

The production team is therefore reportedly weighing its options while Lee continues treatment.

One possibility is to delay her scenes and wait for her recovery. Another is to recast the role if her absence is expected to extend beyond the production’s available schedule.

For now, neither the production team nor Management SOOP has announced that Lee has officially left the drama, and there has been no confirmation regarding a replacement.

What is The Obedient Killer About?

Set during the 1970s and 1980s, The Obedient Killer follows a woman whose life initially revolves around her dream of becoming a devoted wife and mother.

Her carefully planned future is disrupted when she goes through a divorce, forcing her to leave behind the familiar and sheltered life she had imagined for herself.

With her circumstances changing dramatically, she takes an unexpected job to support herself and begins experiencing a world far removed from the life she once envisioned.

The project has already attracted attention because of its reported cast. Kim Da-mi, Lee Chung Ah, Jo A-ram and Kim Jae-wook are among the names associated with the drama.

Lee Chung Ah’s Next Move Remains Unclear

For now, Lee Chung Ah’s health appears to be the immediate priority as discussions continue over her involvement in The Obedient Killer.

The actress had reportedly hoped to push through the injury and complete the project, but the latest medical recommendation has created a situation in which both her recovery and the drama’s production schedule have to be considered.

Whether Lee eventually returns to filming or the role is handed to another actress remains undecided.

With The Obedient Killer targeting a 2027 release, the production still has time to determine its next step. Until an official announcement is made, Lee Chung Ah’s participation in the drama remains uncertain.