"Karate→Taekwondo" Anime Mistranslation, Netflix Requests Correction from Production Company

On the 19th, Professor Seokyungdeok of Sungshin Women's University pointed out on SNS
Anime 'Little Angel' dubbed karate as taekwondo
Netflix "Only has streaming rights... requested correction"

There is controversy over Netflix mistakenly dubbing Japan's 'Karate' as 'Taekwondo' in an animation content available on the platform. Netflix stated that since they acquired the streaming rights to air the work, they have immediately requested the production company to correct the dubbing.

Karate scene from Little Angel Part 4 Episode 1 / Photo by Seokyungdeok, Professor at Sungshin Women's University, SNS capture

On the 19th, a professor from Seokyeong University and Sungshin Women's University revealed on his social media service (SNS) Instagram that "Netflix's animation 'Little Angel' is causing controversy by translating Japan's 'Karate' as 'Taekwondo'."

In episode 1 of part 4 of 'Little Angel,' there is a scene where a character practices Karate, but in the Korean dubbing, 'Karate' was translated as 'Taekwondo.'

The professor added, "In June, Netflix's 'The Eight Show' caused a major controversy by translating 'East Sea' as 'Sea of Japan' in the Spanish (Latin America) subtitles. Also, many Chinese subtitle services labeled 'Kimchi' as 'Pao Cai,' which angered netizens."

He continued, "While it is appreciated that Netflix invests heavily in Korean content production, they must be more careful with translation and interpretation regarding sensitive national issues," and added, "We expect prompt action."

Netflix plans to take immediate action. A representative stated, "The content (Little Angel) is a licensed work for which we have acquired streaming rights, and we have requested the partner company that produced the work and subtitles to correct the dubbing."