SBS Terminates ‘Joseon Exorcist' Due to the Controversy over History Distortion
"Joseon Exorcist" received bombshell news following the series of controversies surrounding the recently debuted SBS drama.
This week has been a tough time for the whole team as the cast and crew faced online criticism from the viewers.
"Joseon Exorcist" Cancelled after Two Episodes
In a new report, the period drama series is now officially canceled after airing for two episodes. This is in relation to the wave of backlash that the show has received from the viewers due to historical inaccuracy.
SBS announced the dismissal of the show due to the "severity of the current situation."
In this light, the network has "terminated" its broadcasting rights contract for "Joseon Exorcist."
Moreover, SBS mentioned that despite the "financial losses incurred" the network feels "heavily responsible" for the discrepancies and with this, they have "decided to cancel the program."
"Joseon Exorcist's" much-awaited premiere slated last March 22 and is scheduled to air until May 18 with 16 episodes.
READ MORE: Petition to Axe 'Joseon Exorcist' Reaches over 127,000 Signatures amid Historical Distortion Controversy
Fans Expressed Their Dismay over Reported Dismissal of "Joseon Exorcist"
Amid the controversy surrounding the highly anticipated show, fans can't help but express their sadness following the cancellation of "Joseon Exorcist."
One viewer appears to be upset about how the period drama ended with just two episodes.
It's saddening that we only got to see their efforts in 2 episodes 😔💔
Thank you for your hard work, #JoseonExorcist team! The drama may be cancelled, but this isn't the end. We'll definitely support each and every one of you as you go on to your separate ways. pic.twitter.com/WYRaKda08o— kdrama diary (@kdramasdiary) March 25, 2021
The same goes with the second user who mentioned that she felt bad with the whole crew and actors for putting their best effort to give viewers entertainment.
#JoseonExorcist will be now be officially cancelled due to the controversy over history distortion and used of Chinese props and clothing.
— kdrama tweets (@kdramawrId) March 25, 2021
I feel so bad towards the staffs, production team and the cast who put their best for this drama 😭💔 pic.twitter.com/HyhW6L1HnX
Meanwhile, an individual brought up Lee Yoo Bi's accident after falling off a horse only to find out that the show is being canceled due to an inappropriate scene.
Jang Dong Yoon injured his elbow due an accident in which he fell from a horse and Lee Yoo Bi hit her knee on part of the set and was diagnosed with a ligament injury. This happened while they are filming for #JoseonExorcist and now the drama is cancelled 💔 pic.twitter.com/vC2IZVrLkR
— kath (@kdramatreats) March 25, 2021
"Joseon Exorcist" Episode 1 Caused Massive Stir Online
The latest historical zombie drama starring Jang Dong Yoon, Kam Woo Sung, and Park Sung Hoon drew widespread flak after the viewers noticed that the program used traditional Chinese goods, such as Chinese pidan or their century eggs, Chinese dumplings and mooncakes, dumplings, and even liquor bottles with Chinese characters.
Following this, the show has been hit with allegations and accused of "distorting history."
Moreover, a well-known professor at Sungshin Women University criticized the latest SBS drama of "fueling" China and Korea's cultural feud.
"Sensitive public reactions are expected from such controversial scenes amid China's growing claims to Korean culture. The producers should have paid more attention to making the historical TV series," explained by professor Seo Kyung-Duk, as obtained by yna.co.kr.
"Joseon Exorcist" Lost Sponsorships
Apart from the online criticism, the SBS drama also lost several sponsors.
Brands and companies have been said to pull out their support following the "Joseon Exorcist" controversy.
This includes Samsung, LG Household & Health Care, Goldstar Bed, Black Yak, Kuku,, Banolim Pizza Shop, Ace Bed, Body Friend, Hite Jinro, CJ CheilJedang, KT, Kojima, and Dongkuk Pharmaceutical, who announced that they will no longer advertise the said drama.
SBS Apologized over "Joseon Exorcist" Issue
In the wake of the controversy, SBS released an official statement as they addressed the issue surrounding one of its leading shows.
The network apologized for "causing a misunderstanding and discomfort to viewers during a sensitive time."
In addition, SBS also mentioned removing the "problematic moments" to all of its television reruns and VOD replays.
ALSO CHECK: 'Joseon Exorcist' Preview: Jang Dong Yoon, Kim Dong Jun, and Geum Sae Rok Work Together to Fight Evil
KDramastars owns this article.
Written by Geca Wills
