“Mr. Queen” and “Joseon Exorcist” — which are both written by the same writer, Park Gye Ok, and produced by YG Studioplex and Crave Works — are receiving backlash due to historical inaccuracies.
From the removal of the series in various platforms, Jang Dong Yoon’s apology, and Shin Hye Sun facing contract withdrawals — here’s what happened so far:
• 𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐕𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒
All full VOD services, YouTube clips, Naver videos, etc. of “Mr. Queen” have been removed in Korean platforms. Netizens, however, are still petitioning for the drama to also be removed in international platforms. While “Joseon Exorcist” got canceled after only two episodes.
• 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐒 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐀𝐅𝐅𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐃
Shin Hye Sun, who gained a lot of praise for her acting skills in the “Mr. Queen,” is now reportedly facing contract withdrawals from her various endorsements.
While “Joseon Exorcist” star Jang Dong Yoon apologized for choosing the role.
He wrote: “Hello, this is actor Jang Dong Yoon. I worried a lot about [what to say]. I’m writing this in the hopes that, even if it is lacking, it will be an honest and sincere response to the many frustrated people who are waiting to hear my thoughts and stance as one of the leads of “Joseon Exorcist.”
First, there is no room for me to make excuses. I’m incredibly sorry. I failed to fully recognize that this drama would become so problematic. This is because I was ignorant and complacent. I only looked at the drama from the perspective of an actor acting out a creative work. I neglected my responsibility to look carefully [at the drama] from a societal perspective. It was a huge mistake.
Based solely on the fact that I would have the opportunity to work with a director I admire and amazing fellow actors, there was no reason for me to turn down this drama. Within my limited options, after taking a variety of factors into consideration, I believed that I had made the best choice [by selecting this drama]. As I said earlier, this, too, was because I was foolish.
Believing that people can live proudly if they lack moral flaws, I have always tried my best to be strict in keeping myself in line. But now that this kind of shameful and mortifying incident has happened related to my work, I’m filled with regret.
I’m deeply aware that it is because of the love and interest of the public that I am able to work [as an actor]. Therefore, even if you dismiss this [statement] as excuses, despite my intentions, I will humbly accept that. I didn’t want to make an emotional plea or write something invoking sympathy, but in the process of trying to sincerely express my feelings, I think this has become that kind of statement, so I apologize once again for that. However, if you generously look kindly on [my role in this matter], I’d like to engrave this incident in my heart and remember it forever while showing you good things as a more mature actor,” as translated by Soompi.
• 𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐎𝐑𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐎𝐑𝐒𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒 𝐏𝐔𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐃 𝐎𝐔𝐓
Advertisements for “Joseon Exorcist” pulled out due to the controversy. Shin Hye Sun is the most affected as she recently gained a lot of endorsements, but some are withdrawing their contracts. Additionally, Jisoo and Jung Hae In’s drama (written by a different writer) will no longer use PPL advertisements to avoid historical inaccuracies.