Song Joong Ki’s ‘Reborn Rich’ Disrespected Istanbul? Here’s What Happened
Amid the constant praise from viewers and netizens, Song Joong Ki's new drama "Reborn Rich" is being heavily criticized by international audiences.
Despite the intriguing plot and roster of the talented cast, the web novel-based drama is accused of disrespecting Istanbul.
Did Song Joong Ki's 'Reborn Rich' Disrespect Istanbul?
According to an outlet, the show has come under fire after it reportedly represented Istanbul inaccurately.
Over TikTok, a user named wie0wq posted a side-by-side comparison of Istanbul in reality versus what "Reborn Rich" depicted in the story.
It illustrates the city as dangerous, outdated, and centers around organized crimes while in reality, the city is rich in culture that boasts modernized structures.
@wie0wq You should apologize,you have done a lot wrong to a country that saved you by making Istanbul look bad in this way. #rebornrich#istanbulturkey#viraltiktok#koreandramas#rebornrich2022#editsss#fypシ ♬ Love You So - The King Khan & BBQ Show
Moreover, there's a scene in "Reborn Rich" where Song Joong Ki's character was beaten up by a group of children.
However, in Twitter user pointed out that the locals "are one of the most sociable & hospitable people yall will ever meet."
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Apart from the discrimination, others also cited how the series featured Turkey as an Arab state and not Eurasia.
Due to these, the TikTok user demanded an apology from the drama officials for negatively illustrating Istanbul.
"You should apologize, you have done a lot wrong to a country that saved you by making Istanbul look bad in this way," the caption reads.
As of this writing, officials from JTBC and "Reborn Rich" are yet to address the accusations raised by international viewers.
Song Joong Ki & Shin Hyun Bin's Love Line in 'Reborn Rich' Gains Dissaproval
Besides the inaccuracy of how the JTBC drama depicted the show, viewers previously expressed their disappointment towards the loveline between Song Joong Ki and Shin Hyun Bin.
In the drama, the top star took the role of Yoon Hyun Woo, one of the loyal employees of Soonyang Group but was reincarnated as the conglomerate's founder's youngest grandson Jin Do Joon.
During his freshman year in law school, he recognized a familiar face. It turned out that it was Seo Min Young, a prosecutor who is known for being Soonyang Group's grim reaper.
The third episode hints at a possible loveline between the characters but viewers expressed that the show doesn't need a love story and would be great if they will focus on Jin Do Joon's revenge against Soonyang Group.
Moreover, others pointed out that it would only ruin the drama's flow given that the love story between the two was not included in the original story.
Despite the criticism, Song Joong Ki's new drama is being raved about by viewers for its cast lineup and interesting scenes.
After scoring the second highest premiere ratings in JTBC history this 2022, "Reborn Rich" jumped to having a double-digit rating on its third episode, showing the drama's reign in primetime.
