SBS ‘Joseon Exorcist’ writer, cast apologize for

historical controversy
http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20210328000117

The writer and cast of SBS ‘Joseon Exorcist’ on Saturday released apology
statements for taking part in the show that depicts Korean history
inaccurately.

“I sincerely apologize for the trouble my inconsiderate script has caused to

viewers over the past few days,” writer Park Kye-ok said in a statement. “I
should have learned from my past mistakes and presented a better story as a
writer, I made viewers angry with my lack of judgment.”

The apology statement came out after the broadcaster on Friday announced it
decided to cancel the drama after its first two episodes took a beating over
perceived historical inaccuracies and distortions.

Many viewers pointed out that the show disparages King Taejong (played by
Kam Woo-sung), the third king of Joseon who ruled from 1400 to 1418, by
showing him cruelly slaughtering innocent people because he was
hallucinating, for which there is no historical basis.

Chinese-style costumes and props in the TV drama set in the Joseon era also
received criticism for inappropriate usage, especially at a time of intensifying
controversy between Korea and China over spurious Chinese claims to kimchi
and hanbok.

Last year, Park also received similar criticism for misrepresentation of history
in her previous tvN drama “Mr. Queen” for featuring scenes like the Veritable
Records of the Joseon Dynasty being equated to a tabloid.

The show received “administrative guidance” for controversial scenes from the
subcommittee of the Korea Communications Standards Commission.

The main cast of “Joseon Exorcist” also took responsibility for taking part in
the show on Saturday.

“As a cast member of ‘Joseon Exorcist’ I apologize for causing concerns to the
public,” Kam said in his statement. He added that he apologizes for not being
more considerate about the historic accuracy in the show as an actor who has a
great influence on the public.

“I was ignorant and naive about the matter, I have no excuse, I apologize,” the
show’s actor Jang Dong-yoon said.

Castmates Park Sung-hoon and Lee Yu-bi released similar statements of

apology as well.

Meanwhile, CJ’s streaming platform Tving recently suspended providing

service of the writer’s previous tvN drama series “Mr. Queen.” Short clips of
the show on platforms Naver TV and YouTube also were removed.

By Song Seung-hyun (ssh@heraldcorp.com)

[Summary]
Immediately after the airing of “Joseon Exorcist”, the portrayal of existing
figures, including Taejong, and various Chinese-style settings were embroiled
in controversy over history distortion, and the drama was abolished in two
episodes. Writer Park Gye-ok, who was caught in a controversy over history
distortion, was involved in history distortion not only in this “Joseon Exorcist”
but also in the previous fusion historical drama "Queen Cheol-in." At that
time, the drama "Queen Cheol-in" was popular with viewers and had high
ratings, so the issue of historical distortion was not a big issue, so it was easily
forgotten. I think this caused a big problem. At that time, issues that could
lead to negative perceptions of the Joseon Dynasty and false historical
consciousness were not immediately addressed, so writer Park Gye-ok may
have thought that there was no big problem even if history were distorted. As
China's Northeast Project for Korean culture is intensifying, experts warned
that Park Gye-ok's “Joseon Exorcist” could provide an excuse for a new
China’s Northeast project. I hope this historical distorted drama will never be
released again. Like this incident, I think our culture and history must be
preserved by ourselves. (195 words)