‘Tomorrow’ Hit By Controversy Involving BTS Members + Viewers Demand Apology
"Tomorrow," which stars SF9 Rowoon, Kim Hee Sun, Lee Soo Hyuk and Yun Ji On, is under fire for allegedly mentioning two BTS members in one of its episodes.
The MBC K-drama is an action fantasy series that depicts the story of grim reapers and their mission in the modern world.
SF9 Rowoon plays the rookie grim reaper, Choi Joon Woong, who works under Risk Management Team Leader Goo Ryeon, played by Kim Hee Sun. Yun Ji On portrays Kim Hee Sun's right hand, Im Ryung Goo.
Meanwhile, Lee Soo Hyuk, who has been receiving praise for his portrayal, plays the role of the Escort Team's powerful grim reaper Park Joong Gil.
READ MORE: Lee Soo Hyuk's Visuals Lauded for Similarity With His Grim Reaper Character in 'Tomorrow'
These grim reapers are headed by Jumadeung's Emperor Jade, played by Kim Sook Hae.
Despite receiving low viewership ratings in South Korea, "Tomorrow" has gained positive responses globally.
One thing that made the weekend K-drama interesting are topics that highlight social issues like harassment, bullying and suicide, which could raise awareness among its viewers.
However, one episode of the action-fantasy K-drama gained mixed reactions from viewers after referencing BTS members in one scene.
'Tomorrow' Criticized for Including BTS Members in One of Its Episodes
The said "Tomorrow" episode, which aired on April 22, featured a list of names of souls who will be entering the afterlife.
The document titled "Registry Of the Entering Dead" displayed one name that got fans displeased.
It came after the list included the name "Kim Tae Hyung," with birth listed as "1971.12.30."
Viewers noticed that it is similar to BTS V's real name and birthday except the year was changed to 1971 instead of 1995.
The same scene included the name "Kim Yoo Rim" with date of birth "1997.9.1."
Although the name is not from any BTS member, the birthday is similar to BTS Jungkook, whose birthday is September 1, 1997
BTS fans are calling out this incident as disrespect to the Kpop sensation.
Korean fans even claimed that the MBC series is "trying to stir up buzz" to promote the K-drama.
Fans Demand Apology and to Delete the Scene in 'Tomorrow's' Episode
As noted by News 1 Korea, the network's official website's bulletin board was flooded by sentiments and criticisms from fans.
Some are even demanding to delete the scene and asking for an apology for referencing the BTS members in such a bizarre way.
One Twitter post also sought the Kpop group's agency HYBE to take legal actions against MBC producers for including BTS V and Jungkook's details in one of its episodes.
@HYBEOFFICIALtwt @bts_bighit Please take legal action against the producers of MBC drama Tomorrow. In an episode of the drama, a scene was shown where the name and original birthday of BTS members V and Jungkook are written on the death list.
— kalla(moon)⁷ ᝰ🖊️ (@kallamoon28) May 17, 2022
This attitude is unacceptable. pic.twitter.com/Q2ha96013m
Amid the issue, "Tomorrow" is set to bid goodbye as the action-fantasy series will air its finale episode on May 21.
Episodes 15 and 16 will air on May 20 and 21 via MBC, while subtitles are available through Netflix.
