Controversial Drama 'Snowdrop' Accused of Undermining Democratization Movement, Petition for Broadcast Suspension Submitted to Blue House

Petitioner: "'Snowdrop' Available for Viewing Worldwide...May Impose Incorrect Historical Views Related to Democratization Movement"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Seohyun] Negative public opinion toward the JTBC drama 'Seolgwanghwa' is intensifying day by day. Since the first broadcast of 'Seolgwanghwa,' a petition to stop airing the drama has been posted, garnering 100,000 supporters.

On the 19th, a petition titled "Petition to Stop Airing the Drama Seolgwanghwa" was posted on the Blue House National Petition Board. The author began by stating, "'Seolgwanghwa' caused significant controversy even before airing due to the synopsis release, which disparaged the democratization movement, and more than 200,000 citizens agreed to the petition to stop airing the drama."

They continued, "At that time, the production team claimed they had no such intention and insisted that 'there is no setting in the script where the male and female leads participate in or lead the democratization movement.' However, in episode 1 released on the 18th, a scene aired where the female lead mistakes the male lead, who is a spy, for an activist and rescues him."

The author pointed out, "There were definitely activist victims during the democratization movement who were baselessly accused of being spies, tortured, and died, and despite these historical facts, creating a drama with such content clearly damages the value of the democratization movement."

They added, "Moreover, when the male lead, who is a spy, runs away and the National Intelligence Service (NIS) sub-male lead chases him, the background music 'Sola Pureureun Sola' played," emphasizing, "This song was used during the democratization movement, and using such a song as background music for characters portraying the 1980s NIS and a spy is an unacceptable act."

They concluded, "This drama is available worldwide through OTT services and could instill a distorted view of the democratization movement in many foreigners, so its airing should not be forced. The airing of a drama that damages the value of the democratization movement must be stopped, and at this time when Korean culture's influence is growing, the broadcasting industry should reconsider the seriousness of historical distortion."

Meanwhile, the drama 'Seolgwanghwa' has been embroiled in controversy over belittling the democratization movement and glorifying the NIS since its production stage. At that time, a petition to halt production was also posted and received over 200,000 supporters.

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