Please, the court has made their decision and the drama will rightfully keep broadcasting but let's stop pushing the rhetoric that this is one massive anti-black pink thing. If anything it started as a real and justified complaint by the average Korean public that was adopted and jumped on by BP haters, not the other way around.
Some of the official public statements that were filed in as complaints came directly from the family of Park Jeong Cheol, who was tortured to death by the NSA and they also wrote that complaint to represent other victims.
The memorial foundation of Lee Hanyeol also spoke out against in honor and representation of Hanyeol and other victims.
The last statement made by one of the staff writers said that their intention was to "humanize" and portray the NSA from a "politically neutral view," which of course it's what those victims claimed. Such a horrible statement that would make anyone care nothing about what could happen in the show at all because the statement was that powerful in order to push people away.
But let's get the facts straight. Clearly not all are just complaining cause they are anti-black pink, and their reaction (though I personally don't wholeheartedly agree with) has rational basis because of the supposed intention of the writers.
Honestly, the problem with this drama is not the drama. It's the horrible P.R. control they have had on an evidently large controversy.
Koreans were opposing this drama because it was potentially showing the NSA in a deceitful light. JTBC with full power to tell the people that they won the court case said that they should wait and see more of the drama but dropped the narrative in the middle of the controversy and instead brought a writer of the show to say: the intention of this drama is to show the NSA through a "politically neutral point of view". That was basically giving the public the knife to stab themselves in the foot. This comment is exactly what the public was opposing, what victims complained about.
They should have never allowed that writer to release that statement. Youth of May did not, to my recalling, lean into any political ideology or "neutral-ness" let alone say it publicly.
This was probably the worst damage control of a controversy ever. They extrapolated the controversy out of the actual episodes and instead inserted it in the "intention" of them and the creators.
Allowing the public to then abide to not watch it all because the scandal and the motive of the controversy is no longer the episodes, but the intention of the people who made it. This show could have been the biggest controversy in SK but it was always destined to succeed worldwide.
JTBC put the money and the cast to safeguard the well being of this drama. Most foreigners don't care about controversies within South Korea. They don't know the whole history enough to deliberate on their own personal opinion about a scandal they don't know about, rather simply just watch as was intended.
The show got the love of foreign fans and the major dismay of South Koreans. And I don't say any of this to try to support or deny anything. It's just facts.
In South Korea the drama as of now has not been received well. If it was then the viewer ratings would at least be a double digit already. A pity since the cinematography is beautiful but too bad the production company didn't do well to ease the people's hearts and minds like in Youth of May.
It's a shame that the script didn't have the intelligence to know the dimension of the story it was dealing with. The drama was not intended to MANIPULATE HISTORY or OFFEND DEMOCRACY, but there was a lack of "notice" at what they were telling might offend some people who lived in that period.
For example, compare Jung Hae In and Lee Do Hyun interviews and you'll realize the difference of this production. (Youth of May had no controversy. In fact it was loved by the Koreans, unlike Snowdrop). Lee Do Hyun, in an interview and also at the KBS awards, said that he researched the subject, read, and learned about that period to understand the story.
This was completely different from Jung Hae In, at least in what he said in his interview. I'm not blaming him, he's not to blame for anything, but they just thought it was a good idea to make a romance story in 1987 in one of the most memorable moments in the country's history. HOWEVER, they didn't research as much. What happened, happened. And that is why K-netz are reacting to this and not much for Youth of May.
The last episode - It was a dream, not reality. When it seems that San is on his death bed he opens his eyes and is greeted by Deok Im who wipes his face and it appears that almost everything that happened until now has been merely a bad dream. I actually wish they were trolling us to be honest.
After their conversation, she tells him he needs to go back, his people need him. He hesitates but walks to the front gate. He’s under the impression that this is reality which is likely a hallucination he’s experiencing due to his illness.
It becomes more clear after San recalls Deok Im’s death as he’s about to open the door to go back, he hesitates again and realizes this isn’t reality. He turns back to look at her standing behind him. He cries looking at her and then takes her hands to see the blooming flowers. She keeps telling him he needs to go back.
He holds her hands and tells her to love him. He says he won’t let go of this moment with her and will hope that this moment never changes.
Eventually, they kiss and hug, he doesn’t leave her side.
The end.
It could be hinted that San chose to remain with Deok Im instead of going back, which means he passed away as well.
In the voice over, Deok Im says, ‘so this moment has become forever,’ which means he’s dead.
He misses her so much and while she tries to urge him to get back to his people which could be interpreted as she’s wanting him to open his eyes and overcome his sickness, he chooses her instead. He’s so sad and empty without her and want to remain with her so this could be the afterlife where they reunite and stay together in their lovely happy home in the presence of each other.
It was all a dream in San’s mind as he’s about to die. He dies and his new reality is staying beside Deok Im forever.
The Red Sleeve ending was one of the most heartbreaking endings I’ve seen in a historical kdrama, and it hurts more knowing its based on real events.
Jun Ho ... there are no words for this man’s performance. Se Young did so well too, honestly, everyone has done a marvelous job. I especially loved the scene where Jun Ho’s character cries over his son’s death, which was done so well. Seriously, Jun Ho is one of my top three favourite idols turned actors.
I think Deok Im loved him but at the same time longed to live an independent life as a free woman but her occupation wouldn’t have ever allowed for that. I think people need to understand that the period the drama was based on was very different from what we have right now. Women didn’t have much of a say over their future and this drama did a good job demonstrating that.
Deok Im’s longing for her friends on her death bed was a nice touch and the fact that she told him to ignore her in the next life could be because she wanted to be free, it doesn’t mean she hated him but I think she hated the system more.
The Red Sleeve has won many awards a few days ago at the 2021 MBC Drama awards so congrats to everyone!! You deserve it!
As for victims I'm speaking of the memorial foundation of Lee Hanyeol who represent a foundation in name of the victims of the NSA tragedy and others during the time and of course Lee Hanyeol obviously. They made a statement openly discussing disappointment and dismay over the drama.
The family of Park Jeong Cheol have also made a public statement in name of their son and other victims. And people who have lived through the time openly spoke against this as well. That is who I am speaking of when I say victims. I can't force them to watch this show, I can't shut them up, I can't tell them they have no right to speak against this. I personally may believe the show is not harmless, but the feeling of harm of the victims is one that is dependent on the individuals, not mine to measure, question or deny.
And that's precisely what this is. Trying to create these nuances, this humanization of the NSA is the propaganda the regime and right wing supporters have pushed down people's throats to have basically none of these villains put to justice, and these are the same people who tried pushing and still push the propaganda that discourages the student movement and broader movement of pro democracy. This is what has actively enabled them to after all these years give ZERO formal apologies or re-compensation to the victims. You talk about propaganda? This is the propaganda.
From the political perspective, from the active situation, for the lack of ownership, for the fact that no one has apologized trying to push this very story line, for the fact that this particular history is so recent and has had no resolution, I think it was not the time to do this now.
A production team of course can be free to use art and creativity, but they need to cement themselves in reality as well, and part of their job is to assess how the public will see this. I have no clue as to how these people did not see this coming. I think it's the fact that they have not apologized to the victims and the fact that some regime supporters and right wing politicians still deny the severity of the tragedy precisely because they chose to adopt this narrative.
Some say something from the extremist perspective saying the NSA didn't kill any S. Koreans and if they did it was "unintentional". Others, try to say that they were just doing their jobs, many try to say that they don't deserve prison time or anything because they say they weren't evil at all. Whether this was their intention or not, the drama has ended up becoming political agenda because this is the very narrative criminals try to push.
They are just tucking way too hard are the heart strings of victims and at a situation that still has had no justice. I think the time is not right now, and the fact that JTBC has ties with the political right wing openly support the daughter of the dictator who just got released from prison, and has had a string of dramas accused for right wing propaganda just makes it that much worse.
There's a good way to use creative license while still being respectful and most importantly not giving more power to those responsible. Now was not the time to try and push this narrative.
Sadly whatever the court ruled means nothing because the masses do not agree with the sentiment. Court can't and should not condemn dramas for a writers intention. The public, however, have every right to be against an intention of a production team to portray the NSA as neutral. And as we know the public opinion far outweighs that of the court because the court did not condemn the drama (something they did before the drama was out and before hearing this statement) but the public has.
Some things can't be judicially penalized but still can be morally penalized. Not to mention if I was the defense attorney from JTBC, there was nothing I couldn't win by arguing it was just fiction. From the viewership ratings the public has shown their ruling.
Have you noticed that if you are in favor you are down voted, if you are against it you are down voted. It personally comes as a no surprise for me. The last thing the South Korean judicial system and government want is one that persecutes freedom of art and speech, doesn't matter how controversial it is and how the public sees it, they will not follow the footsteps of the regime.
But as much as you can be mad against this, the public have made their ruling which is their freedom of speech and it far outweighs whatever the court ruled in favor of. You may not like it but by the way society works this ruling won't mean that the public will now welcome it with open arms, or that the topic is any less controversial, or any less hurtful for a lot. Judicially they have no grounds to prosecute any of this, they can't prosecute an intention behind art, even if the very court officials disagree with the intention. And I think this ruling took place before they could formally include the last statement at all.
I think that the public has made their ruling as well. There are things that you can't judicially penalize. A drama shouldn't be doesn't take anything away from the perception of it or the problem though.
The fact that complaints have ceased for now proves nothing about the current public mass opinion of the drama. It doesn't prove that "Koreans are seeing there is no distortion". It means that many possibly have decided to just not watch and let it flunk, as they personally do not agree. The ratings have been increasing but have failed to reach their highest rating of 3.8% on the third episode. Perhaps the extended break and premiere of the 6th episode on January 1st will make people reconsider and actually increase the viewership.
Yes, JTBC have the interest of international audiences which they always knew would have because of Jisoo, but we should not forget that their country's view is arguably the most important. It's not our history so of course we were never supposed to be upset, but the fact that so many average South Koreans are vehemently opposed to this (as the viewership ratings show) a history that is theirs and therefore making them the most who have ground to critique does not paint JTBC well at all.
When controversies in kpop or kdrama happen between international fans they are almost completely ignored, we are far away, our voices are much easier to ignore because most of the time they aren't reflected in SK and they don't care. But when it's their own people protesting... that's far harder to leave with out being bruised up. I just want people to cement themselves in reality.
We can't go into la la land as if a simple ruling will fix everything, as if everyone loves this and only trolls are against it. Such a fervent and overwhelming negative response from a country doesn't go away with a snap, and by the sheer reaction we know it's not grounded on delusions. We have to accept that the public has done anything but welcome this, and while many could find it unjust, first impressions matter in this industry and will leave many of South Koreans far away from the drama, the ones whose opinion mattered the most. I'd even venture to say that had this show been strictly domestic they would have pulled the plug on it by now.
Joseon Exorcist was canceled by the same court you are praising now. The court found there was real evidence of historical inaccuracy in that particular drama, so they received the punishment. That wasn't a case of extremism, the court judged so. The same way the court has judged this time, that despite the complaints and the extremism of some, there was nothing to punish. I don't think it's a good comparison.
The court have made their ruling and the public have made theirs, the viewership shows it. And because I point out this reality, that the problem isn't magically resolved by the decision of the court, I am painted as in favor of cancellation.
We have to stop pushing the rhetoric that the hate is coming from trolls, it is the public. One of the few times where I can truthfully say it is actual normal SK citizens instead of a majority of the common Korean troll that is vehemently against this.
The courts ruling itself does not fix the reaction of the nation, it simply states that judicially there is no fair grounds by which it could be canceled. It does not mean that people are accepting it fondly with a warm response and it may not mean that they will. It's just the truth.
Objectively speaking, it appears the Korean public have not warmed to this drama based on the ratings. Episode 2 is the highest rated episode at 3.89%. Compared to this the highest rating episodes for other JTBC dramas in recent years like Sky Castle (23.7%), The World of the Married (28.3%) and Itaweon Class (16.5%) then this is a disaster especially considering all the hype that surrounded it.
Also, in recent times (2021): Inspector Koo (2.75%), Lost (4.19%), Nevertheless (2.2%), Undercover (5.23%), Beyond Evil (5.99%), Hush (3.38%). Yes, Snowdrop has under performed considering all the hype and promotion surrounding it, but JTBC has been performing poorly overall this year compared to the heady days of the three dramas mentioned (and all the dramas this year had either big names or even won a major award in the case of Beyond Evil).
I have a feeling JTBC thought Snowdrop would be their savior and pull them out of the rut simply just by casting Jisoo. I do also know that in 2020 and 2021 many JTBC dramas have been ill received and the idea that JTBC is actively trying to spread propaganda has been thrown around for quite a while as well. Like how they openly support the daughter of the dictator, ex president Park Geun Hye, who was just pardoned from prison. JTBC has been performing poorly and many point this to "bad" dramas and their political ties. Snowdrop of course only exacerbated these claims.
It was the government that welcomed these situations by creating the petition system making it every citizens right to make a petition. The law says that if the petition surpasses 200,000 signatures the government must then look into it and judge it. This in parts is great, allowing free communication with their people, but others will clearly abuse it in this way.
As for: "the probability the public will accept the inaccuracies blindly is low" I agree as well, but I do believe it is fair to mention that most who oppose and filed complaints expressed worry over what was being presented to international viewers specifically, who clearly would have no basis leading many to possibly blindly believe. I think in that sense their complaints were more than rational.
Moonshine is slaying it with the ratings! ❤️❤️❤️ Keep it up!! I enjoy it so much! It does NOT disappoint with the humor, tension, and emotional moments.
This is life during the strictest alcoholic prohibition period in Joseon and this drama delivers convincing and superb cinematography. First episode already shows the secret trade business of alcohol and the conditions of the people during that time especially among the commoners and government officials.
I like the theme of this show. It may be another sageuk drama but it's different. All main characters have commendable portrayals.
You have an uptight inspector that wants to restore his family's status and wants to be with the "in" crowd with the scholars and in order to do this he must catch and investigate illegal alcohol vendors. Love Yoo Seung Ho in Memorist and I like him here.
You have a fallen aristocratic lady who started brewing alcohol illegally to pay off her debts.
And then you have a Crown Prince who would sneak out of the palace to go drinking. Byeon Woo Seok is an absolute eye candy and I'm enjoying his character.
Lastly, there's Han Yae Jin, the only daughter of a noble family. She is stubborn and would do whatever she wanted.
'Snowdrop' production staff member says "We made the project bearing in mind NSA agents were ordinary people too"
'Snowdrop' production staff member saying "We made the project bearing in mind NSA agents were ordinary people too" reignited the history distortion controversy.
On December 27th, an interview with one of the drama's production staff members surfaced which had many netizens baffled and reignited the controversy.
According to the interview, a staff member 'A' said "Snowdrop is the project we made bearing in mind NSA agents were ordinary people too. There are some scenes making a satire of the government at that time but it's not depicted as extremely bad people. In the latter part of the series, there are scenes related to the incident in 1998 without a strong negative depiction of NSA."
'A' continued, "I feel like the history distortion controversy is the matter of perspective, how you view the 1987's era. 'Snowdrop' depicts NSA with a politically neutral view but if there are many viewers who are unhappy with such viewpoint, the misunderstandings will persist."
Shortly after the interview went out, many netizens gathered to a popular online community to discuss the issue. Over 1300 netizens shared their thoughts saying comments such as "Yes, that's exactly why this is problematic", "I knew they knew what they were doing lol This is comedy gold", "This is equivalent to saying Nazis were ordinary people too", and more.
Sometimes I don't know why Deok Im thinks no one is there for her. I mean, even the Queen Dowager consoles her not only because she needs her for her personal benefit but she is genuinely worried about Deok Im's troubles and wants to ease her burden.
Likewise, the King Lee San instructs Lady Seo to inform him of Deok Im's whereabouts for him to be assured of her safety. This is heartwarming and very sweet of him as he demonstrates how much he loves Deok Im given that he does not disregard her worries.
Also, Lee San attempts to stop Deok Im from crying because of her missing friend. Tbh, he's actually a nice King.
The part where Deok Im tells the King harsh things to hurt him is selfish of her to inflict misery on him when all he has done is offer his whole heart to her and ensure her safety.
It was heartbreaking for a few moments to see the King wanting to move on with another woman. (Can't blame him if Deok Im kept pushing him away). But once he sees Deok Im, he can't help but fall for her all over again. That moment where they were on the bridge together and as he was about to leave but she grabbed his arm is the moment we've all been waiting for. I think she does love him but she's just acting like she doesn't. I mean, look at Lee San's eyes. I don't think anyone can resist :)
I also like that scene where the King went to talk to his mom, that was admirable of her when she convinced him that mothers know best. As she understands how to console her own son and how to gently steer him in the direction of happiness.
The last two episodes are going to be epic. Prepare to cry buckets!
I like how the drama shows how women can take on difficult jobs and encourage women to face life difficulties head on. The writer and director strays away from the typical damsel in distress stereotype.
Despite the abundance of historical dramas this series was able to provide another Joseon-period story with striking cinematography.
Lee Hyeri's natural look affirms the spirit of heroine dubbed as a family breadwinner. Her angst and authenticity really shone in the first two episodes. Expecting amusing moments with Yoo Seung Ho would highly become the drawing points of the series.
Byeon Woo Sook is a refreshing gift in his portrayal as the Crown Prince. Not only does he look good in his outfit, but he also displays great charisma in internalizing his character. Despite the short screen time Kang Mina had, she also effectively exudes a demure, sly aura that is perfect for her character, Han Yie Jin.
My only concerns is the story's pacing and the lack of chemistry I feel between Nam Young and Ro Seo. (The two main characters). The cat and dog dynamic of lead actors is not new so I think it is a challenge how they will give a fresh take on that.
Despite how the two are brilliantly internalizing their characters I think they need more spice in their pairing. I feel more chemistry between the short interactions shared by Hyeri and Byeon Woo Sook (the crown Prince) characters.
The story's pacing is fast and the first two episodes almost gave everything away. I hope the pacing continues and doesn't die down or drag in the middle and end of the season.
Hopefully the layering of the plot details would blend well.
Some of the official public statements that were filed in as complaints came directly from the family of Park Jeong Cheol, who was tortured to death by the NSA and they also wrote that complaint to represent other victims.
The memorial foundation of Lee Hanyeol also spoke out against in honor and representation of Hanyeol and other victims.
The last statement made by one of the staff writers said that their intention was to "humanize" and portray the NSA from a "politically neutral view," which of course it's what those victims claimed. Such a horrible statement that would make anyone care nothing about what could happen in the show at all because the statement was that powerful in order to push people away.
But let's get the facts straight. Clearly not all are just complaining cause they are anti-black pink, and their reaction (though I personally don't wholeheartedly agree with) has rational basis because of the supposed intention of the writers.
Koreans were opposing this drama because it was potentially showing the NSA in a deceitful light. JTBC with full power to tell the people that they won the court case said that they should wait and see more of the drama but dropped the narrative in the middle of the controversy and instead brought a writer of the show to say: the intention of this drama is to show the NSA through a "politically neutral point of view". That was basically giving the public the knife to stab themselves in the foot. This comment is exactly what the public was opposing, what victims complained about.
They should have never allowed that writer to release that statement. Youth of May did not, to my recalling, lean into any political ideology or "neutral-ness" let alone say it publicly.
This was probably the worst damage control of a controversy ever. They extrapolated the controversy out of the actual episodes and instead inserted it in the "intention" of them and the creators.
Allowing the public to then abide to not watch it all because the scandal and the motive of the controversy is no longer the episodes, but the intention of the people who made it. This show could have been the biggest controversy in SK but it was always destined to succeed worldwide.
JTBC put the money and the cast to safeguard the well being of this drama. Most foreigners don't care about controversies within South Korea. They don't know the whole history enough to deliberate on their own personal opinion about a scandal they don't know about, rather simply just watch as was intended.
The show got the love of foreign fans and the major dismay of South Koreans. And I don't say any of this to try to support or deny anything. It's just facts.
In South Korea the drama as of now has not been received well. If it was then the viewer ratings would at least be a double digit already. A pity since the cinematography is beautiful but too bad the production company didn't do well to ease the people's hearts and minds like in Youth of May.
For example, compare Jung Hae In and Lee Do Hyun interviews and you'll realize the difference of this production. (Youth of May had no controversy. In fact it was loved by the Koreans, unlike Snowdrop). Lee Do Hyun, in an interview and also at the KBS awards, said that he researched the subject, read, and learned about that period to understand the story.
This was completely different from Jung Hae In, at least in what he said in his interview. I'm not blaming him, he's not to blame for anything, but they just thought it was a good idea to make a romance story in 1987 in one of the most memorable moments in the country's history. HOWEVER, they didn't research as much. What happened, happened. And that is why K-netz are reacting to this and not much for Youth of May.
After their conversation, she tells him he needs to go back, his people need him. He hesitates but walks to the front gate. He’s under the impression that this is reality which is likely a hallucination he’s experiencing due to his illness.
It becomes more clear after San recalls Deok Im’s death as he’s about to open the door to go back, he hesitates again and realizes this isn’t reality. He turns back to look at her standing behind him. He cries looking at her and then takes her hands to see the blooming flowers. She keeps telling him he needs to go back.
He holds her hands and tells her to love him. He says he won’t let go of this moment with her and will hope that this moment never changes.
Eventually, they kiss and hug, he doesn’t leave her side.
The end.
It could be hinted that San chose to remain with Deok Im instead of going back, which means he passed away as well.
In the voice over, Deok Im says, ‘so this moment has become forever,’ which means he’s dead.
He misses her so much and while she tries to urge him to get back to his people which could be interpreted as she’s wanting him to open his eyes and overcome his sickness, he chooses her instead. He’s so sad and empty without her and want to remain with her so this could be the afterlife where they reunite and stay together in their lovely happy home in the presence of each other.
It was all a dream in San’s mind as he’s about to die. He dies and his new reality is staying beside Deok Im forever.
Jun Ho ... there are no words for this man’s performance. Se Young did so well too, honestly, everyone has done a marvelous job. I especially loved the scene where Jun Ho’s character cries over his son’s death, which was done so well. Seriously, Jun Ho is one of my top three favourite idols turned actors.
I think Deok Im loved him but at the same time longed to live an independent life as a free woman but her occupation wouldn’t have ever allowed for that. I think people need to understand that the period the drama was based on was very different from what we have right now. Women didn’t have much of a say over their future and this drama did a good job demonstrating that.
Deok Im’s longing for her friends on her death bed was a nice touch and the fact that she told him to ignore her in the next life could be because she wanted to be free, it doesn’t mean she hated him but I think she hated the system more.
The Red Sleeve has won many awards a few days ago at the 2021 MBC Drama awards so congrats to everyone!! You deserve it!
BEST HISTORICAL DRAMA OF 2021 hands down!
The family of Park Jeong Cheol have also made a public statement in name of their son and other victims. And people who have lived through the time openly spoke against this as well. That is who I am speaking of when I say victims. I can't force them to watch this show, I can't shut them up, I can't tell them they have no right to speak against this. I personally may believe the show is not harmless, but the feeling of harm of the victims is one that is dependent on the individuals, not mine to measure, question or deny.
And that's precisely what this is. Trying to create these nuances, this humanization of the NSA is the propaganda the regime and right wing supporters have pushed down people's throats to have basically none of these villains put to justice, and these are the same people who tried pushing and still push the propaganda that discourages the student movement and broader movement of pro democracy. This is what has actively enabled them to after all these years give ZERO formal apologies or re-compensation to the victims. You talk about propaganda? This is the propaganda.
A production team of course can be free to use art and creativity, but they need to cement themselves in reality as well, and part of their job is to assess how the public will see this. I have no clue as to how these people did not see this coming. I think it's the fact that they have not apologized to the victims and the fact that some regime supporters and right wing politicians still deny the severity of the tragedy precisely because they chose to adopt this narrative.
Some say something from the extremist perspective saying the NSA didn't kill any S. Koreans and if they did it was "unintentional". Others, try to say that they were just doing their jobs, many try to say that they don't deserve prison time or anything because they say they weren't evil at all. Whether this was their intention or not, the drama has ended up becoming political agenda because this is the very narrative criminals try to push.
They are just tucking way too hard are the heart strings of victims and at a situation that still has had no justice. I think the time is not right now, and the fact that JTBC has ties with the political right wing openly support the daughter of the dictator who just got released from prison, and has had a string of dramas accused for right wing propaganda just makes it that much worse.
There's a good way to use creative license while still being respectful and most importantly not giving more power to those responsible. Now was not the time to try and push this narrative.
Some things can't be judicially penalized but still can be morally penalized. Not to mention if I was the defense attorney from JTBC, there was nothing I couldn't win by arguing it was just fiction. From the viewership ratings the public has shown their ruling.
But as much as you can be mad against this, the public have made their ruling which is their freedom of speech and it far outweighs whatever the court ruled in favor of. You may not like it but by the way society works this ruling won't mean that the public will now welcome it with open arms, or that the topic is any less controversial, or any less hurtful for a lot. Judicially they have no grounds to prosecute any of this, they can't prosecute an intention behind art, even if the very court officials disagree with the intention. And I think this ruling took place before they could formally include the last statement at all.
I think that the public has made their ruling as well. There are things that you can't judicially penalize. A drama shouldn't be doesn't take anything away from the perception of it or the problem though.
Yes, JTBC have the interest of international audiences which they always knew would have because of Jisoo, but we should not forget that their country's view is arguably the most important. It's not our history so of course we were never supposed to be upset, but the fact that so many average South Koreans are vehemently opposed to this (as the viewership ratings show) a history that is theirs and therefore making them the most who have ground to critique does not paint JTBC well at all.
When controversies in kpop or kdrama happen between international fans they are almost completely ignored, we are far away, our voices are much easier to ignore because most of the time they aren't reflected in SK and they don't care. But when it's their own people protesting... that's far harder to leave with out being bruised up. I just want people to cement themselves in reality.
We can't go into la la land as if a simple ruling will fix everything, as if everyone loves this and only trolls are against it. Such a fervent and overwhelming negative response from a country doesn't go away with a snap, and by the sheer reaction we know it's not grounded on delusions. We have to accept that the public has done anything but welcome this, and while many could find it unjust, first impressions matter in this industry and will leave many of South Koreans far away from the drama, the ones whose opinion mattered the most. I'd even venture to say that had this show been strictly domestic they would have pulled the plug on it by now.
We have to stop pushing the rhetoric that the hate is coming from trolls, it is the public. One of the few times where I can truthfully say it is actual normal SK citizens instead of a majority of the common Korean troll that is vehemently against this.
The courts ruling itself does not fix the reaction of the nation, it simply states that judicially there is no fair grounds by which it could be canceled. It does not mean that people are accepting it fondly with a warm response and it may not mean that they will. It's just the truth.
Also, in recent times (2021): Inspector Koo (2.75%), Lost (4.19%), Nevertheless (2.2%), Undercover (5.23%), Beyond Evil (5.99%), Hush (3.38%). Yes, Snowdrop has under performed considering all the hype and promotion surrounding it, but JTBC has been performing poorly overall this year compared to the heady days of the three dramas mentioned (and all the dramas this year had either big names or even won a major award in the case of Beyond Evil).
I have a feeling JTBC thought Snowdrop would be their savior and pull them out of the rut simply just by casting Jisoo. I do also know that in 2020 and 2021 many JTBC dramas have been ill received and the idea that JTBC is actively trying to spread propaganda has been thrown around for quite a while as well. Like how they openly support the daughter of the dictator, ex president Park Geun Hye, who was just pardoned from prison. JTBC has been performing poorly and many point this to "bad" dramas and their political ties. Snowdrop of course only exacerbated these claims.
As for: "the probability the public will accept the inaccuracies blindly is low" I agree as well, but I do believe it is fair to mention that most who oppose and filed complaints expressed worry over what was being presented to international viewers specifically, who clearly would have no basis leading many to possibly blindly believe. I think in that sense their complaints were more than rational.
This is life during the strictest alcoholic prohibition period in Joseon and this drama delivers convincing and superb cinematography. First episode already shows the secret trade business of alcohol and the conditions of the people during that time especially among the commoners and government officials.
I like the theme of this show. It may be another sageuk drama but it's different. All main characters have commendable portrayals.
You have an uptight inspector that wants to restore his family's status and wants to be with the "in" crowd with the scholars and in order to do this he must catch and investigate illegal alcohol vendors. Love Yoo Seung Ho in Memorist and I like him here.
You have a fallen aristocratic lady who started brewing alcohol illegally to pay off her debts.
And then you have a Crown Prince who would sneak out of the palace to go drinking. Byeon Woo Seok is an absolute eye candy and I'm enjoying his character.
Lastly, there's Han Yae Jin, the only daughter of a noble family. She is stubborn and would do whatever she wanted.
And their story is told in this drama.
'Snowdrop' production staff member saying "We made the project bearing in mind NSA agents were ordinary people too" reignited the history distortion controversy.
On December 27th, an interview with one of the drama's production staff members surfaced which had many netizens baffled and reignited the controversy.
According to the interview, a staff member 'A' said "Snowdrop is the project we made bearing in mind NSA agents were ordinary people too. There are some scenes making a satire of the government at that time but it's not depicted as extremely bad people. In the latter part of the series, there are scenes related to the incident in 1998 without a strong negative depiction of NSA."
'A' continued, "I feel like the history distortion controversy is the matter of perspective, how you view the 1987's era. 'Snowdrop' depicts NSA with a politically neutral view but if there are many viewers who are unhappy with such viewpoint, the misunderstandings will persist."
Shortly after the interview went out, many netizens gathered to a popular online community to discuss the issue. Over 1300 netizens shared their thoughts saying comments such as "Yes, that's exactly why this is problematic", "I knew they knew what they were doing lol This is comedy gold", "This is equivalent to saying Nazis were ordinary people too", and more.
Likewise, the King Lee San instructs Lady Seo to inform him of Deok Im's whereabouts for him to be assured of her safety. This is heartwarming and very sweet of him as he demonstrates how much he loves Deok Im given that he does not disregard her worries.
Also, Lee San attempts to stop Deok Im from crying because of her missing friend. Tbh, he's actually a nice King.
The part where Deok Im tells the King harsh things to hurt him is selfish of her to inflict misery on him when all he has done is offer his whole heart to her and ensure her safety.
It was heartbreaking for a few moments to see the King wanting to move on with another woman. (Can't blame him if Deok Im kept pushing him away). But once he sees Deok Im, he can't help but fall for her all over again. That moment where they were on the bridge together and as he was about to leave but she grabbed his arm is the moment we've all been waiting for. I think she does love him but she's just acting like she doesn't. I mean, look at Lee San's eyes. I don't think anyone can resist :)
I also like that scene where the King went to talk to his mom, that was admirable of her when she convinced him that mothers know best. As she understands how to console her own son and how to gently steer him in the direction of happiness.
The last two episodes are going to be epic. Prepare to cry buckets!
Despite the abundance of historical dramas this series was able to provide another Joseon-period story with striking cinematography.
Lee Hyeri's natural look affirms the spirit of heroine dubbed as a family breadwinner. Her angst and authenticity really shone in the first two episodes. Expecting amusing moments with Yoo Seung Ho would highly become the drawing points of the series.
Byeon Woo Sook is a refreshing gift in his portrayal as the Crown Prince. Not only does he look good in his outfit, but he also displays great charisma in internalizing his character. Despite the short screen time Kang Mina had, she also effectively exudes a demure, sly aura that is perfect for her character, Han Yie Jin.
My only concerns is the story's pacing and the lack of chemistry I feel between Nam Young and Ro Seo. (The two main characters). The cat and dog dynamic of lead actors is not new so I think it is a challenge how they will give a fresh take on that.
Despite how the two are brilliantly internalizing their characters I think they need more spice in their pairing. I feel more chemistry between the short interactions shared by Hyeri and Byeon Woo Sook (the crown Prince) characters.
The story's pacing is fast and the first two episodes almost gave everything away. I hope the pacing continues and doesn't die down or drag in the middle and end of the season.
Hopefully the layering of the plot details would blend well.
So far the first two episodes aren't too bad.