5 Things You Need to Know about ‘Joseon Exorcist’ Controversy

Tags: Joseon Exorcist; Joseon Exorcist controversy; Jang Dong-Yoon; Kam Woo Sung; Park Sung-hoon; SBS; Korean Drama Joseon Exorcist; Joseon Exorcist Cancelation

BY Geca Wills Mar 27, 2021 12:18 AM EDT

Since the start of the year, "Joseon Exorcist" had been making it to the headlines with its interesting stills and jaw-dropping teasers.

Prior to this, SBS announced last September 2020 that it had completed the powerhouse cast for the upcoming historical drama.

The broadcasting network has confirmed that "Joseon Exorcist" will be led by Jang Dong Yoon, Kam Woo Sung, and Park Sung Hoon.

It was lauded by viewers and netizens due to its one-of-a-kind storyline, impressive cinematography, and not to mention a visually-terrifying creature that "features evil spirits and demons in various shapes and forms."

Unfortunately, things went south after the premiere of the much-awaited series.

Debuted last March 22, "Joseon Exorcist" Episode 1 sparked controversy after eagle-eyed viewers noticed Chinese-style props and costumes set in the Joseon era.

Among the many issues raised are the use of Chinese mooncakes and the Chinese pidan or their century eggs, Chinese dumplings, and even a liquor bottle with a Chinese character written on it.

This move has attracted the viewers' ire and has caused a negative impact on the network and the whole team of the said drama.

With that being said, here's a rundown of the "Joseon Exorcist" controversy.

Accused of Historical Inaccuracies

Following the debut, the highly anticipated period drama drew flak among the viewers as they were accused of historical inaccuracies.

The audience believe that "Joseon Exorcist" has misinterpreted the Korean culture, one of which is a remark by Seo Kyung Duk, a well-known professor at Sungshin Women University who blasted the show "fueling" the feud between China and South Korea.

Moreover, he also pointed out the SBS drama irresponsibly handed the history as depicted in the series.

The team and SBS immediately issued an apology statement and mentioned that they would take a one-week break from the broadcast.

"Joseon Exorcist" Drops Ratings Following the Criticisms Surrounding the Program

The controversial drama started out with strong viewership ratings during "Joseon Exorcist" Episode 1.

According to Nielsen Korea, the period drama received an average nationwide rating of 5.7 and 8.9 percent, a positive figure for a show premiere.

Unfortunately, following the backlash from the public, the "Joseon Exorcist" rating slightly dropped to an average of nationwide ratings of 4.5 and 6.9 percent.

Petition to Axe "Joseon Exorcist"

The unfortunate events surrounding "Joseon Exorcist" did not stop there.

Just days after its debut, the SBS historical drama faced another devastating news after a petition to axe the program has reached the Blue House.

In the formal appeal, it seeks the committee to remove "Joseon Exorcist" from SBS's broadcasting.

Surprisingly, this move gained 127,00 signatures in just one day.

SBS Officially Terminates "Joseon Exorcist"

The turnout of events has been quick for the whole team of "Joseon Exorcist."

After the formal petition, SBS officially announced that the network will cancel the show after airing two episodes.

Moreover, the broadcasting network also acknowledged and took responsibility amid the confusion that the period drama has created.

"Joseon Exorcist" Cast Memeber Jang Dong Yoon Apologizes amid the Controversy

Following the termination of the show, "Joseon Exorcist" lead actor Jang Dong Yoon released an apology statement through his agency Dongyi Company.

In his official statement, the 28-year-old actor acknowledged that it was a "major mistake" by the show, adding that he "completely overlooked the perspective from the calculative lens of society."

"I thought that it was a chance for me to work with a respected director and many sunbaes and fellow actors and actresses whom I respected, I thought I had no reason to turn this production down. Within my limited view of the choices given to me, I thought that it was the best option. Once again, all of this was due to my carelessness," his letter reads.