UPDATE: Netflix’s highly anticipated K-Drama, Can This Love Be Translated?, is already encountering severe backlash in South Korea just days before its release. The controversy centers on the casting of Sota Fukushi, a Japanese actor whose past remarks have ignited outrage among Korean viewers.
The uproar follows the resurfacing of a 2015 documentary in which Fukushi discussed his grandfather’s potential involvement as a kamikaze pilot during World War II. The program aimed to educate younger generations about the war’s impact, prompting Fukushi to share emotional reflections that many in Korea now find deeply troubling.
Korean netizens have taken to social media in droves, expressing their anger and disappointment. Comments such as “This is seriously pissing me off” and “Why cast someone like that?” highlight the emotional divide. One user stated, “How dare you crawl into a Korean drama,” emphasizing the cultural sensitivities surrounding the casting choice. Responses reflect a growing sentiment against the inclusion of foreign actors with controversial backgrounds in Korean media.
The backlash has escalated rapidly, leading to organized calls for a boycott of the series. Viewers are questioning why Netflix would choose to cast a figure perceived by many as right-wing, particularly given the historical tensions between Korea and Japan.
What This Means Now: As the release date approaches, the situation remains fluid. The public outcry has raised questions about the future of the K-Drama and its reception in an already sensitive cultural landscape. Industry insiders suggest that a significant portion of the audience may boycott the show if the controversy isn’t addressed head-on.
As this story develops, all eyes will be on Netflix and the production team behind Can This Love Be Translated? to see if they will respond to the backlash or maintain the current cast. The implications of this controversy extend beyond just one series; they may impact future collaborations between Korean and Japanese creators.
Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent issue as it unfolds.
