[Focus+] Distortion and Glorification... The Controversy Over 'Seolgnhwa' That History Will Lament, JTBC's Tarnished Reputation

Photo by JTBC (below)

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] The situation is escalating. Controversies surrounding the drama 'Seolgwanghwa' are piling up one after another. Following accusations of belittling the democratization movement, glorifying the Korean Central Intelligence Agency (KCIA), and criticism of Jisoo's acting skills, suspicions about the writer's connection to 'Ilbe' have emerged, intensifying calls for the show's suspension.

JTBC's drama 'Seolgwanghwa' (written by Yoo Hyun-mi, directed by Jo Hyun-tak), which premiered on the 18th, is facing severe backlash over historical distortion allegations. This controversy was virtually anticipated.

In March, SBS's drama 'Joseon Exorcist' ended after just two episodes due to historical distortion controversies involving Chinese-style hanbok and mooncakes. Alongside this, the synopsis of 'Seolgwanghwa' was mentioned, raising suspicions of belittling the democratization movement.

The leaked synopsis of 'Seolgwanghwa,' originally titled 'Edae Dormitory,' sparked these concerns. The male protagonist was described as a 'spy pretending to be an activist,' and another character, the KCIA team leader, was introduced as a 'righteous and upright figure,' which led to accusations of belittling the democratization movement and glorifying the KCIA.

At that time, the KCIA was known for torturing democratization activists and falsely accusing them of being spies. Many activists suffered unjust hardships and even lost their lives. This was pointed out as a serious historical distortion.

The female protagonist's name, Yeong-cho, was suspected to be derived from Cheon Yeong-cho, a leader of the 1970s democratization movement, and the male protagonist's name, Im Su-ho, was criticized for evoking figures like Im Jong-seok and Im Su-kyung. Particularly, Im Su-ho's background as a 'prestigious graduate student of Korean-German descent' raised concerns reminiscent of the 'Dongbaekrim spy fabrication incident.' Subsequently, the production team seemed to acknowledge this by changing the protagonist's name from Yeong-cho to Yeong-ro.

Opposition to the production reached the Blue House. Over 200,000 people signed a national petition demanding the drama's suspension, sparking public outrage. However, the government responded that a cautious approach was necessary since the drama was still in production and explained that problematic parts would undergo review by the Korea Communications Standards Commission.

In response, JTBC stated, "'Seolgwanghwa' is by no means a drama that belittles the democratization movement or glorifies the KCIA and spies," adding, "The current controversy stems from fragmented information composed of leaked unfinished synopses and partial character descriptions, with suspicions added to fragmented information, resulting in false content being presented as fact."

At the production presentation held before the broadcast, director Jo Hyun-tak said, "Although set in 1987, except for the military regime, all characters and backgrounds are fictional," and added, "It is a setting to portray a poignant love story between young men and women."

When episodes 1 and 2 of 'Seolgwanghwa' were released on the 18th and 19th, the controversy intensified. The public criticized JTBC and the production team's earlier statements as mere sophistry.

For it to exist purely as a 'fictional' creation, the background military regime, the presidential election turmoil, and the characters should have been newly created and unrelated. How can a character involved in the democratization movement against the 1980s military regime, who is a spy fleeing the KCIA and hiding in a university dormitory after being shot, be independent of the historical background? One wonders how the drama's plot and characters can be explained while erasing the era remembered for the military's oppression, anti-communist ideology, countless students soaked in blood, sacrifice, and pain.

As expected, 'Seolgwanghwa' faced concentrated criticism. In episode 1, when the spy Im Su-ho is chased by the KCIA, the background music used was Ahn Chi-hwan's 'Sol-ah Pureureun Sol-ah,' a song associated with the democratization movement, which was criticized as inappropriate for a chase scene involving a spy and the KCIA.

Episode 2 was even more serious. It directly depicted Im Su-ho (played by Jung Hae-in) as a spy. Scenes showed him parting with his younger sibling in North Korea and Jung Hae-in wearing a military uniform with a Kim Il-sung badge, clearly establishing the spy setting.

A scene where Yeong-ro seeks help from an elderly dormitory staff member to protect Im Su-ho, who is hiding in a women's university dormitory after being shot, also caused issues. The elderly man asks, "Are you perhaps a spy?" and expresses that aiding a spy is illegal, so he cannot help. Yeong-ro defends Im Su-ho, saying, "Students involved in the large-scale protests are always labeled as communists."

Additionally, a scene where female dormitory roommates, including Yeong-ro, confront KCIA female agent Jang Hanna (played by Jung Yoo-jin) and rescue Im Su-ho while naked was problematic. At that time, KCIA agents were known for mercilessly committing atrocities. Yet, Yeong-ro boldly calls out "Ajumma" (auntie) and steps forward to save Im Su-ho from danger. The KCIA agent is shown suspiciously observing the trembling female students, wondering, "Why are they shaking so much?"

The portrayal of university students boldly confronting KCIA agents, who then retreat without any action, lacks credibility. Moreover, glorifying and giving narrative depth to KCIA agents is nonsensical. The setting where the spy is rescued naked is met with bewilderment.

Jung Yoo-jin's agency, FNC Entertainment, released an official statement on the 19th, saying, "Hanna, the first female KCIA agent, made her debut. Hanna showed determination in capturing 'Daedonggang No. 1,' who brutally murdered in East and West Germany before infiltrating Seoul." They introduced her as "an impulsive and hot-tempered character who fearlessly pursues her goals."

This gives an idea of the mindset with which the agency and actor view the role and 'Seolgwanghwa.' Regardless of the importance of promoting their actor, it is regrettable to describe a KCIA agent as someone who "fearlessly pursues her goals" or "showed determination."

Suspicions about writer Yoo Hyun-mi's connection to 'Ilbe' are also emerging. Some pointed out that in a bathhouse scene, the towel covering Im Su-ho's face has the date May 16, the university's founding anniversary, printed on it, which evokes Park Chung-hee's May 16 military coup. Additionally, a banner displayed on the street shows the event date as May 18, the day of the democratization movement, leading to suspicions of intentional symbolism.

'Seolgwanghwa,' starring actor Jung Hae-in and idol group member Jisoo, was confident. They boldly asked viewers to judge after watching the drama, but criticism grew louder after the broadcast. Seemingly aware of this, the production team quickly blocked viewer responses, closing all communication channels by making the viewer board and Naver Talk Channel private.

Previously, 'Seolgwanghwa' held an online production presentation open to viewers worldwide and absurdly left the Super Chat (YouTube's system for donating money via chat) enabled. Typically, online production presentations are closed to the general public except for the press, but the production team seemingly opened it to cater to the idol actor's Hallyu fandom. However, they failed to disable the Super Chat feature, resulting in a farce where numerous fans flooded donations.

How should we view the 'Seolgwanghwa' production team that quickly blocked viewer communication channels while leaving Super Chat open?

The controversy does not end there. Jisoo, who plays Yeong-ro, is also facing severe criticism for her acting skills. As a lead role driving the plot, appropriate acting skills are required. However, Jisoo is showing the limitations of an idol group member, failing to meet expectations. Her mumbling voice and pronunciation have been criticized, with some even saying "subtitles are needed."

Moreover, Jung Hae-in also faced backlash. In an interview before the broadcast, he said, "I was born in 1988. I did not experience 1987 firsthand," and added, "Many works are set in that era, but I believe the answer lies in the script. If you look closely at the script, you can visualize the scenes in your mind."

This reveals his attitude toward the role and the work. Critics lament his lighthearted approach to the creation without properly understanding the historical facts and background.

Amid the heated controversy, sponsors of 'Seolgwanghwa' have begun to sever ties. Companies such as Tizen, Do-pyeong-yo, and Hans Electronics stated they learned of the controversy after the drama aired and plan to request the production company to stop advertising.

There is strong criticism regarding the lack of historical awareness and responsibility that creators should possess. Will 'Seolgwanghwa' continue broadcasting, ignoring public voices? Since filming was completed in advance, revisions seem inevitable.

'Seolgwanghwa' is being released worldwide through the online video service (OTT) Disney Plus. It is regrettable that overseas viewers might lightly dismiss the historical background and consume it as merely a 'prince and princess story.'

The KBS drama 'May Youth,' which dealt with the painful history of the May 18 Democratization Movement, comes to mind. At that time, writer Lee Kang said, "I was determined not to include a single fact not based on history," and while portraying the love story of the male and female leads, earned praise for a thoughtful approach.

It is shocking that belittling the democratization movement as the work of spies is happening in a 2021 TV drama. Is there any reason to watch further? It is time for JTBC, a comprehensive programming channel, to make a decisive decision.