Is K-drama 'Snowdrop' REALLY attempting to distort history? Naver user drops hard facts
In a new Naver post, a native Korean user has defended the K-drama ‘Snowdrop’, starring Blackpink’s Jisoo as Young-ro, inspired by the character of an activist who was a part of the democratic movement of 1980. The K-drama received a lot of backlash initially when it was announced back in March 2021 and now again after the release of its first two episodes. JTBC, the makers of the drama, had to issue an official statement about the actual story-line of the show, asking fans to give them a second chance to redeem the show as well as demanding some creative freedom from Korean viewers who were enraged by the possible distortion of history in ‘Snowdrop’
On December 22, an online user dropped a blog article on Naver Now where they answered a series of questions that international viewers had about the Jisoo-starrer show and in a way that will help clear the air for all viewers who wish to watch the upcoming episodes of ‘Snowdrop’ on JTBC or Disney+ Korea. In their article, the user provides a detailed explanation about the controversial aspects of the show.
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Naver user explains the storyline of ‘Snowdrop’
In their post regarding the plot, the first question this user tackles is the most important one. The user asks, “Is Snowdrop about the pro-democratization movement and disrespecting the movement?” The user explains how ‘Snowdrop’ is NOT about the pro-democratization movement as the introductory plot of the show is set six months after the Democratic (June) Uprising of 1987 with the first episode's events occurring in October 1987. The user also reveals how JTBC themselves said that the plot of the show has nothing to do with the pro-democratization movement but focusses on the presidential election of 1987 and attempts to use the historical event as a plot point so that the main leads, Su-ho and Young-ro (Jung Hae-in and Jisoo), can meet.
The user clarified that given the proximity of these two historical events, the show might talk about the pro-democratization movement, but ‘Snowdrop’ will not air any disrespectful scenes about the movement. Another question that the user attempts to tackle is whether the drama, “‘Snowdrop’ attempts to glorify the ANSP (Agency for National Security Planning) and the military dictatorship government?” The user explained how the purpose of the show was to critique the ANSP's policies as well as make viewers aware of the vicious atrocities committed by the ANSP. The user goes on to say how the show does not attempt to hurt national sentiment but instead honors the country's culture and values.
Is ‘Snowdrop’ distorting Korean history?
The Naver user gets into great detail to explain how there is absolutely no distortion of history in the JTBC drama ‘Snowdrop’ and provides a fact-check as well as subsidiary evidence for the same. The user highlights how the explanation of the male character’s background has got nothing to do with historic events. The user stated that ‘Snowdrop’ is a fictional drama and the characters are portraying a role that is not related to any individuals, living or dead.
As of now, those petitioning against the show feel that the character of Soo-ho (played by Jung Hae-in), who is a North Korean spy disguised as a student activist, mocks the memory of innocent activists tortured after being falsely accused of being spies by the authorities; that the plotline attempts to distort Korean history. But the Naver user disagrees. The user stated that JTBC’s statement clarified this query by highlighting how the script of ‘Snowdrop’ has nothing to do with the pro-democratic movement. Not only that, the first two episodes that have already been released do not show the character of Soo-ho posing as a student activist — rather it is Jisoo's character who assumes this about him.
Haters targeting ‘Snowdrop’ says Naver user
The Naver user also pointed out that clips from the show are being edited out of context and being shared around with unnecessary cuts to cause misunderstandings. In fact, on close viewing of the drama, one is able to notice that the show does not attempt to critique or comment on the pro-democratic movement but only uses the historic event as a plot device to show the complex romantic relationship between the main leads, Eun Young-ro and Soo-ho.
The post then also talks about the misinformation being spread about the K-drama being backed by China without any proof to back the claim. It is true that JTBC had received an investment offer from Tencent in December of 2020, however, 'Snowdrop' was already confirmed back in June 2020 and had started filming in November 2020, which means the offer was rejected and Snowdrop collaborated with Disney+ instead.