'Agent Kim Reactivated' final episode gets earlier start time and longer runtime
When the Republican-era drama Overdo, starring Zhang Ling He and Wang Chu Ran, premiered simultaneously on two platforms at noon on July 19, the series — which had already generated enormous anticipation thanks to its highly popular original material and star-studded cast — was instead met with widespread criticism from viewers over its AI-generated opening sequence.
The opening sequence, which lasted only a little over ten seconds, was generated with AI. Viewers criticized its awkward and rough compositing, as well as its cheap-looking lighting and visual texture, with many describing it as having a "plastic look" and saying it "looked like a PowerPoint presentation." The production team's seemingly perfunctory approach to the opening stood in stark contrast to the drama's high-profile promotional campaign before its premiere.
Facing a public relations crisis triggered by widespread viewer criticism, the production team worked to remake the opening sequence using live-action footage and released the updated version online. The drama's official Weibo account also issued a public apology on July 21.
The statement read, "Regarding the opening sequence, our original intention was to use a series of rapid transitions to help viewers quickly understand the history between the male and female leads, as well as the details of their story during their younger years... However, the reality is that this approach sparked a huge uproar, something we had not expected."
The production team said it "extends its deepest apologies to all the fans who have supported and cherished [the drama]."
It also revealed, "After receiving feedback on the day of the premiere, we immediately worked through the night to remake the opening sequence. Following several days of effort and coordination from all parties involved, the new opening has now been replaced and gone live."
The statement concluded, "The audience's feelings are the ultimate standard. Everyone's suggestion and criticism are invaluable to us."
Overdo tells the story of Murong Qing Yi (Zhang Ling He) and Ren Su Su (Wang Chu Ran), who, amid the upheavals of a chaotic era, become bound by fate after a rescue.
Stream Overdo on WeTV, iQIYI, and Viki.
Source: Sina Finance
