Lotte Cultureworks Withdraws Co-Production and Partial Investment in 'Joseon Exorcist'

"Deep Moral Responsibility Felt for Causing Viewer Discomfort"

Lotte Cultureworks announced on the 26th that it will withdraw from co-producing and partially investing in the drama 'Joseon Exorcist.' A representative stated, "We empathize with the seriousness of the recent issues" and explained, "After internal consultations, we decided to cancel." They added, "We deeply acknowledge our moral responsibility for causing discomfort to viewers. We will do our best to resolve this promptly."

The drama sparked controversy over historical distortion due to Chinese-style props such as mooncakes and century eggs placed on a gisaeng house's table, as well as scenes of King Taejong's ruthless massacre, which aired during the first broadcast on the 22nd. Amid recent claims by China that kimchi and hanbok are part of its culture, the drama aired on public broadcasting, provoking public outrage. As criticism intensified, numerous companies including KT, LG Household & Health Care, and CJ CheilJedang canceled their advertisements for the drama.

In response, SBS terminated the broadcasting rights purchase contract and canceled the broadcast on the 26th. A representative explained, "Although about 80% of filming has been completed, raising concerns about economic losses and programming gaps, we made this decision feeling a heavy responsibility as a terrestrial broadcaster."

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