Korean actress Han So-hee has faced criticism after addressing concerns about the portrayal of Korean independence fighters, fighting against the Japanese army, in the K-drama Gyeongseong Creature. Despite initial backlash, the show managed to shift fan sentiment and concluded its first act successfully. The first season of the show depicts the time during the Japanese occupation of Korea, starting with the Japanese army landing in Seoul.
In the following episodes, some viewers felt that the show portrayed some Korean independence fighters as “weak or traitorous”. In a discussion with news outlets on January 15, the female lead, Han So Hee acknowledged the legitimacy of viewer concerns, regarding this issue.
She said, “I think it is fair to criticise the show,” as per Koreaboo. However, she also emphasised the challenge of truly understanding that historical period without having lived through it. She argued, “I think it’s impossible for anyone to accurately speak about that time period unless you have actually lived through it. Everyone is living vicariously through the characters, so I think it is disrespectful to the independence fighters to judge any of their decisions as right or wrong.”
However, according to the portal, her comments have not gone down well with her fans and viewers of the show. It has triggered disappointment among netizens, with many expressing their discontent. Some questioned the clarity of Han So Hee’s statements, saying, “She’s not speaking clearly… I don’t know what she is trying to say.” Others expressed confusion about the perceived disrespect, with comments like, “What is she saying? I liked Han So Hee… I don’t understand what she’s trying to say. But for the sake of the argument, weren’t her writer and director the ones being disrespectful?”
This is not the first time the show’s cast has engaged in the controversy surrounding the portrayal of some of its characters. The male lead of the show, Park Seo Joon, had also previously shared his thoughts on the criticisms.
The action-thriller K-drama Gyeongseong Creature on Netflix, launched on December 22, takes place in 1945, portraying the Japanese imperial Army committing atrocities against civilians. As per the Time Magazine, the narrative is inspired by real-life war crimes of Unit 731 and introduces General Kato and his monstrous creations. Focused on his pet project, General Kato relocates to Gyeongseong (modern-day Seoul), shaping the course of the series.
The actress in the news, Han So-hee, taking on the role of the renowned tracker Yoon Chae Ok, plays a pivotal role in the drama which is being renewed for a second season soon. Before this, in 2023, the actress grabbed the headlines after playing a starring role in the SEVEN music video alongside BTS’s Jungkook.
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