The global popularity of K-Dramas has brought immense recognition to Korean storytelling, but with this international reach comes greater scrutiny. Cultural appropriation and insensitivity have become recurring issues in the industry, with several dramas facing backlash for misrepresenting or appropriating other cultures. While some instances stem from a lack of understanding, others reflect deeper issues within the industry regarding historical narratives and global perspectives. This article explores instances where K-Dramas sparked controversy due to cultural misrepresentation and insensitivity.
1. Pachinko – Japanese-Korean History and National Identity
Pachinko, based on the novel by Min Jin Lee, received widespread acclaim for its depiction of the struggles of a Korean family living under Japanese colonial rule. However, the drama also faced criticism, particularly from Japanese audiences, for its portrayal of Japan’s role in history.
Historical Controversy
The show presented a nuanced but critical view of Japan’s colonial rule over Korea, highlighting the discrimination faced by Koreans living in Japan. Some Japanese viewers argued that the drama leaned too heavily into victimization narratives while ignoring certain historical complexities. Korean audiences, on the other hand, largely praised Pachinko for shedding light on a painful chapter of history that is often overlooked in global media.
Cultural Representation
Despite the historical debates, Pachinko was lauded for its meticulous attention to cultural authenticity, particularly in its multilingual dialogue, featuring Korean, Japanese, and English. The production team’s commitment to accuracy in costume design and setting was praised, but the controversy highlighted the sensitivity surrounding historical narratives in K-Dramas.
2. Mr. Queen – Distorting Korean History
Historical K-Dramas often face criticism for misrepresenting Korea’s past, but Mr. Queen stirred an unusually high level of backlash for its portrayal of historical figures and events.
Fictionalizing Real History
The drama, which combined historical elements with modern comedy and fantasy, was criticized for distorting facts about Queen Cheorin and King Cheoljong of the Joseon Dynasty. Many viewers felt that the comedic tone trivialized the struggles of historical figures, especially given the drama’s references to real-life events.
Backlash and Consequences
The controversy led to calls for a boycott, with netizens accusing the show of disrespecting Korean heritage. Some viewers also pointed out that the drama’s source material, a Chinese web novel, contained derogatory descriptions of Korea, further intensifying the backlash. The producers eventually issued an apology, emphasizing that the show was purely fictional and not meant to be a historically accurate depiction.
3. Snowdrop – Political Controversy and Historical Sensitivity
Snowdrop, starring BLACKPINK’s Jisoo and Jung Hae-in, faced immense backlash even before its premiere due to its alleged misrepresentation of South Korea’s pro-democracy movement.
Accusations of Historical Revisionism
The drama was set in 1987, a pivotal year in South Korea’s democratization movement. Critics argued that Snowdrop romanticized the National Intelligence Service (NIS), which was responsible for persecuting pro-democracy activists. Some also feared that the storyline could be interpreted as justifying past government oppression.
Public Outcry and Government Petitions
Over 200,000 people signed a petition demanding the show’s cancellation, prompting South Korea’s Blue House (the presidential office) to review the complaints. Despite the controversy, Snowdrop continued airing after JTBC defended the show, stating that it was a work of fiction and not meant to distort historical facts.
4. Joseon Exorcist – Chinese Influences and Historical Inaccuracies
Joseon Exorcist became one of the most infamous cases of cultural insensitivity in K-Drama history, as it was canceled after just two episodes due to backlash over its portrayal of Korean history and alleged Chinese cultural influences.
Misrepresentation of Korean Culture
The drama depicted King Taejong and Prince Chungnyeong in a supernatural horror setting, but its use of Chinese-style props, food, and costumes angered Korean audiences. Many accused the show of distorting Korean history and catering to Chinese audiences at the expense of accuracy.
Cancellation and Industry Fallout
Amid mounting criticism, multiple sponsors pulled out, leading SBS to cancel the drama entirely. The controversy highlighted increasing tensions between Korea and China over cultural identity, with viewers becoming more vigilant about potential cultural misappropriation in media.
5. The King: Eternal Monarch – Misuse of Buddhist and Shamanistic Symbols
While The King: Eternal Monarch was a highly anticipated fantasy drama, it faced criticism for its depiction of religious and cultural elements.
Religious Symbolism Controversy
The drama used Buddhist and shamanistic symbols in ways that some viewers found inappropriate. A scene depicting sacred Buddhist texts in a fictional kingdom’s library led to backlash from Buddhist communities, who felt that religious imagery was being exploited for aesthetic purposes without proper understanding.
Cultural Sensitivity in Fantasy Settings
The controversy raised questions about how K-Dramas incorporate real cultural and religious symbols in fantasy narratives. While some argued that creative liberties should be allowed, others felt that greater respect and research were needed when depicting religious and spiritual elements.
Final Thoughts
As K-Dramas continue to gain global popularity, cultural representation and historical accuracy are increasingly scrutinized by international audiences. While some controversies stem from creative choices, others highlight deeper issues of cultural misunderstanding and appropriation. Going forward, the industry must balance artistic freedom with responsible storytelling to ensure that K-Dramas remain both engaging and respectful to diverse perspectives.
