It's unfortunate that this drama has to face backlash from sensitive viewers only because of props used in episode 1. Joseon Exorcist may have gotten an adequate nationwide viewership rating on its first episode but it already disappoints some Korean viewers and dropped the drama on its 2nd episode. The root cause of all this? The Chinese props used when Prince Chungnyeong (Jang Dong Yoon) welcomed the western exorcist Yo Han and his interpreter Marco to a meal. K-netz were angered at use of Chinese foods such as mooncakes, dumplings and century eggs served for the guests. The alcohol that Marco devoured also was served in a Chinese style container and has a Chinese character written on it. All these made the K-netz sensitive and left a remark that this drama was distorting the nation's history.
On March 23, Joseon Exorcist via SBS released a statement and apology regarding the controversy the show was facing. They explained that the use of these props were only to justify for the drama's setting for that certain scene and has no intention to provide other meanings.
In the end they apologized for causing discomfort to the audience and will look closely on the details in the future broadcast.
This was something similar to what had happened with Mr. Queen Kdrama before, facing backlash from the audience, apologized for it and moved on with it. However, Joseon Exorcist seemed to be facing a whole new level of angry K-netz this time. The 2nd episode's viewership ratings dropped from 8.9% to 6.9% real quick and sponsors were pulling out as well. K-netz continuously criticized the show, even the clothing style of the characters were of Chinese and because of all these K-netz accused the whole production as funded by Chinese as well.
On March 24, Joseon Exorcist team issued yet another apology regarding the Chinese represantations that appeared on the show but denied fully the allegations that the show was funded by Chinese. In the middle of all these controversies, Joseon Exorcist will take a one week break from airing. There won't be new episodes to air this March 29 & 30 and will resume only in April.
This is incredibly disapppointing and I feel bad for the whole production of this show. The sensitivity of Koreans over a fictional drama is unbelievable! Sigh. Hopefully everything will be well in the end for this drama.
What's your stand on this situation?
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