The latest K-drama' Backstreet Rookie' by SBS seems to have been notorious since its debut in mid-June 2020 — to put it lightly.
During one of the previous episodes, a Nigerian customer has been seen in the local convenience store and met Han Dal Sik as a cartoonist. The customer's interactions with Han Dal Sik have been attacked for their racism and stereotypical, Koreaboo reported.
"How has the editing board managed to pass this because it is disgusting!" one viewer said.
"Something that's really bothering me with #BackstreetRookie is the blatant cultural appropriation of black culture. They really really REALLY didn't have to do this. I am so sick of seeing things like this all the time. It adds absolutely NOTHING to the storyline. It's rude," another viewer said.
The latest episode "had become evidence" that the Korean drama itself is disturbing and problematic. SBS did not answer to the increasing condemnation and feedbacks.
After complaining about the episode to the network and the people, the audience decided to move along.
The ongoing SBS drama 'Backstreet Rookie' starring actor Ji Chang Wook and actress Kim Yoo Jung premiered last June 19, 2020. Despite the 12- year age gap between the main leads, foreign audiences fell madly in love with the chemistry of the leading pair.
However, the show was considered troublesome by most Korean viewers. Others argued that this show is a "dangerous" trend that sexualizes children and women in part-time.
The official site of the show has now seen a surge of requests from fans to cut the project.
Also, the Korea Communications Standards Commission lodged more than 6,000 formal complaints on the "sexual aspect" of the show for weekend broadcasting at night.
In response, the Commission Representative for Korea Communications Standards said that, as reports continue to rise, they "will investigate the content."
"Official reports on the show were shared by the audiences with us. The appointed team must evaluate the issues and assess the content accordingly." - Korea Communications Standards Commission Representative.