Following the cancellation of k-drama Joseon Exorcist, which went off air for the use of Chinese props on its set and the distortion of history, JTBC’s forthcoming series Snowdrop faced similar criticism.
The much-awaited Korean drama series, starring k-pop idol Jisoo is set in the backdrop of the 1980s Authoritarian era of Korea. During the time, the Gwangju Uprising took place, a student-led revolution that paved the way for South Korea’s fight against authoritarian regimes and the beginning of the country’s democracy.
When an incomplete script of the show leaked online, k-netizens alleged distortion of historical narratives.
Here what we know about the upcoming k-drama starring Jisoo:
-A part of the script that went viral led to petitions demanding cancellation of the show. The plot of the series, reportedly, involves a North Korean spy, who is mistaken as a student, injured and rescued by a female student in the women’s university dorm. The two main characters are played by Jung Hae-In and Jisoo.
-The historical Democratic Movement caused great casualties among citizens and students of Gwangju. The general Korean public remains sensitive to this issue even today.
-During the movement, a number of university students were captured, tortured and killed by the NIS under the doubt that they were spies. Therefore, the main character as a disguised spy has hurt the South Korean viewers. The second male lead of the drama is a member of the NIS, which is also a subject in dispute.
-JTBC released a statement clarifying that the drama series does not glamorize a spy or a member of NSP. They further denied the allegations that the series intends to present a North Korean spy leading the pro-democracy movement.
-However, the official statement by the company wasn’t acceptable for the K-netizens. Later, they made another statement dispelling the speculations surrounding the plot and character set-up.
-They clarified that the controversy erupted due to “one-sided information” combined with “incomplete synopsis as well as a portion of the character introductions” that was circulated online.
-In their latest statement, JTBC revealed some portions of the show, stating that the show uses the background and theme of 1987’s political situation surrounding the presidential election and not the Democratic Movement as assumed by the social media users. "A fictional story will be told surrounding the military regime, the National Security Agency and how they possess vested interests, conspiring with the North Korean dictatorship to maintain power," the statement read.
-Besides an online petition for cancellation on March 30 netizens also mobilised a truck bearing protest signs and drove it to the JTBC building in Seoul.
-Blackpink singer Jisoo’s character in the show named Young Cho has been changed post online chatter. Reportedly, Chun Young Cho was a real-life prominent figure during South Korea's 1987 student protests.
-The broadcast company clarified: "The character in the drama with the name 'Chun Young Cho' has no relevance to the revered 'Chun Young Cho'." However, the company has decided to change the name of the female main lead following the criticism.
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