UPDATE: Netflix’s highly anticipated K-Drama, Can This Love Be Translated?, is under intense scrutiny just days before its scheduled release. The backlash primarily stems from the casting of Sota Fukushi, a Japanese actor whose past comments have ignited outrage among South Korean viewers.
The controversy erupted following the resurfacing of a segment from a 2015 Japanese documentary commemorating the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. In this program, Fukushi interacted with war survivors and read letters from kamikaze pilots, sharing a poignant story about his grandfather’s military past. His emotional reflections, intended to express empathy towards the tragedies of war, have instead been interpreted by many Koreans as disrespectful, triggering a wave of calls for a boycott.
Social media has exploded with furious reactions. Commenters expressed their outrage with remarks such as, “This is seriously pissing me off,” and “Get lost. How dare you crawl into a Korean drama.” Many are questioning the decision to cast Fukushi, emphasizing the availability of local talent.
The sentiment among Korean netizens is overwhelmingly negative, with users stating, “If he’s right-wing, why does he keep sniffing around Korean dramas?” and “Why, though…like, why?” The emotional intensity of these responses highlights the deep-seated historical tensions between South Korea and Japan, particularly concerning wartime narratives.
As this situation develops, the impact on Netflix’s viewership and reputation in South Korea remains uncertain. The streaming giant has not yet released an official statement addressing the controversy.
What’s Next? Stakeholders are closely monitoring public sentiment as the drama’s release approaches. With social media campaigns gaining traction, it remains to be seen how Netflix will navigate this backlash and if any changes will be made to the production.
This unfolding drama not only raises questions about casting choices but also reflects the complexities of historical memory and cultural sensitivity in entertainment. As viewers demand accountability, the conversation surrounding Fukushi’s involvement is likely to escalate, making this a pivotal moment for the K-Drama industry.
Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent situation.
