Lee Yu-bi, Jang Dong-yoon apologize for 'Joseon Exorcist' controversy as fans petition Netflix to pick up K-drama
South Korean actress Lee Yu-bi and actor Jang Dong-yoon of 'Joseon Exorcist' have publicly issued separate apologies for being a part of the drama after it got major backlash for distorting Korean history. Both the K-drama stars have expressed regret for not being more careful while choosing their roles. On the other hand, fans have started signing up a petition for the drama to be brought to Netflix.
On March 27, Dong-yoon who was playing the role of Prince Chungnyung shared a personal apology which read, "I worried a lot about [what to say]. I’m writing this in the hopes that, even if it is lacking, it will be an honest and sincere response to the many frustrated people who are waiting to hear my thoughts and stance as one of the leads of “Joseon Exorcist.”
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Jang Dong-yoon's apology
Dong-yoon said, "First, there is no room for me to make excuses. I’m incredibly sorry. I failed to fully recognize that this drama would become so problematic. This is because I was ignorant and complacent. I only looked at the drama from the perspective of an actor acting out a creative work. I neglected my responsibility to look carefully [at the drama] from a societal perspective. It was a huge mistake." He added, "Based solely on the fact that I would have the opportunity to work with a director I admire and amazing fellow actors, there was no reason for me to turn down this drama. Within my limited options, after taking a variety of factors into consideration, I believed that I had made the best choice [by selecting this drama]. As I said earlier, this, too, was because I was foolish."
The 28-year-old 'The Tale of Nokdu' actor went to say, "Believing that people can live proudly if they lack moral flaws, I have always tried my best to be strict in keeping myself in line. But now that this kind of shameful and mortifying incident has happened related to my work, I’m filled with regret." He concluded saying, "I’m deeply aware that it is because of the love and interest of the public that I am able to work [as an actor]. Therefore, even if you dismiss this [statement] as excuses, despite my intentions, I will humbly accept that. I didn’t want to make an emotional plea or write something invoking sympathy, but in the process of trying to sincerely express my feelings, I think this has become that kind of statement, so I apologize once again for that."
Lee Yu-bi's apology
K-drama actress Lee Yu-bi who played the role of Eo-ri in the historical television series has also taken to social media to share her remorse. She said, "This work was a work that I met at a time when I personally thought a lot about. It was at a time when I thought I wanted to play a role in the future, what I could do, challenge new things, and achieve them one by one. I think I was only greedy about expressing characters that I didn't do before." The 30-year-old 'Pinocchio' actress added, "I regret that I was ignorant of the distortion of history and did not think deeply. From now on, I will try to become an actor who works with a wide perspective."
Petition to bring back 'Joseon Exorcist' to Netflix
SBS has already canceled the drama 'Joseon Exorcist' after heavy controversy over distorting history and using Chinese props. But there is a new petition which claims that the drama was canceled unfairly and should be brought to Netflix instead. The petition which has already gained over 13000 signatures say, We believe #JoseonExorcist was canceled unfairly we believe with the proper platform this drama will be an (sic) success!! BRING "JOSEON EXORCIST TO NETFLIX."
SBS announced the permanent cancelation with a statement that said, "As SBS deeply recognizes the severity of the current situation [regarding the drama], we have decided to terminate our broadcasting rights contract for “Joseon Exorcist” and cancel all broadcasts of the drama."
"At the moment, SBS has already paid most of the fees for the broadcasting rights to the drama in question, and the production company has already completed 80 percent of filming. Although we are concerned about the financial losses incurred by both the broadcast network and the production company, as well as the gap in our programming, SBS feels a heavy responsibility as a public broadcast network, and we are informing you that we have decided to cancel the program," the statement concluded.