Controversy Over Historical Distortion Leads to the Cancellation of 'Joseon Exorcist'

A scene from the SBS TV Monday-Tuesday drama 'Joseon Exorcist' during the broadcast.

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dong-hyun] The SBS TV Monday-Tuesday drama 'Joseon Exorcist,' which was at the center of historical distortion controversy, will ultimately be canceled.

On the 26th, SBS issued an official statement saying, "Recognizing the seriousness of this situation deeply, we have decided to terminate the broadcasting rights purchase contract for 'Joseon Exorcist' and cancel its broadcast."

'Joseon Exorcist' sparked controversy over historical distortion after its first broadcast on the 22nd due to Chinese-style props such as mooncakes and blood tofu served at a gisaeng house, as well as brutal massacre scenes by King Taejong. Amid recent criticism of China’s 'Cultural Northeast Project,' which claims Korean kimchi and hanbok as its own culture, the public was outraged by the inclusion of distorted Chinese props in 'Joseon Exorcist.'

As the controversy spread, numerous companies including KT, LG Household & Health Care, and CJ CheilJedang canceled their advertisements for the drama.

SBS stated that most of the broadcasting rights fees for this drama had already been prepaid and that the production company had completed 80% of filming. Regarding this, SBS said, "Although there are concerns about economic losses for the broadcaster and production company as well as programming gaps, we have decided to cancel the broadcast, feeling a heavy responsibility as a terrestrial broadcaster."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.