The Ok-dramas we binge and love are made in South Korea, however shockingly, a few of them are literally banned in their very own nation.
South Korea is usually open, however there are sturdy social and cultural norms, historic sensitivities, and authorized/political constraints. For instance, Korea has a painful and proud historical past (e.g. Joseon dynasty, Japanese colonial interval, democratic struggles vs navy dictatorship).
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Misrepresentation of those tales or introducing fictional components which might be seen as diminishing or insulting key figures/occasions typically triggers backlash. Korea additionally has stricter norms about sexual content material, age gaps, portrayal of intercourse or romance, eroticism, violence, and so forth.
Therefore, rankings boards, public opinion, typically sponsors or authorities our bodies exert strain if such content material is seen as extreme. Additionally, portrayals of the North-South relations, spies, navy regime, democracy protests, or North Korean brokers are delicate.
In abstract, any portrayal that touches on actual occasions or appears to reinterpret them can provoke sturdy reactions. In circumstances like this, if netizens protest, petitions will mount, and advertisers could withdraw, and the present could also be delayed, censored, and even cancelled.
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5 Ok-dramas That Have been “Banned” In Korea
Under is a listing of Ok-dramas that had been banned or closely restricted in Korea.
1. Joseon Exorcist (2021)
The drama was a fantasy horror interval piece. After airing simply two episodes, it drew intense backlash for historic distortion. The portrayal of King Taejong occurring a rampage, exhibiting Prince Chungnyeong (later King Sejong, a extremely revered determine) in inappropriate contexts.
There was additionally the inclusion of Chinese language-style props, clothes, meals (mooncakes, century eggs), Chinese language architectural fashion, and so forth. Viewers felt it misrepresented and disrespected Korean historical past and tradition. After two episodes had been aired (of a deliberate 16), the present was terminated (broadcast rights contract cancelled) because of sponsors pulling out, huge public outcry, and advertiser withdrawal.
2. Snowdrop (2021)
The present is about in 1987 (a delicate time: navy dictatorship, pro-democracy motion). It was accused of distorting trendy historical past: for instance, romanticising a North Korean spy, suggesting false attributions about which events had been chargeable for sure actions (some viewers felt it may suggest that Korean democracy motion protestors had been spies). Additionally, character names resembled actual folks concerned in historic occasions.
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Nonetheless, it was not absolutely banned. There was a significant petition, authorized makes an attempt to ban by way of injunction, and public controversy. However courts dismissed the injunction request; Snowdrop continued airing (after some changes) regardless of controversy.
3. The King: Everlasting Monarch (2020)
The controversies on this sequence had been using Japanese-style structure/temples/warships in what was presupposed to be a “Korean Empire” universe. There was additionally criticism of traditionally inaccurate visuals and symbols; some viewers felt fantasy plus alternate-universe setting nonetheless wanted care with cultural/historic aesthetics.
Nonetheless, it was not banned, however closely criticised and a few scenes or designs had been apologised for by the manufacturing workforce. It aired its full run.
4. Eve (2025)
This present has grownup/erotic/steamy scenes, and there’s a massive age hole between the lead characters. Some viewers thought the sexual content material was extreme for primetime TV/streaming. Nonetheless, it was not fully banned in Korea. It confronted criticism, and a few episodes got increased age rankings. Some early episodes (or components) had been eliminated or restricted, and warnings had been utilized, however not a full ban.
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5. However (2021)
Grownup/erotic scenes, relationship with out standing themes and depictions of intimate scenes had been thought of too specific by some and precipitated concern from conservative viewers in regards to the portrayal of romance/intercourse. Once more, no full confirmed ban however the first two episodes had been taken off air.
Many dramas have confronted petitions, lawsuits, public backlash, sponsor pull-outs, age-rating changes, or some episodes being modified or delayed. However only a few are fully banned by authorities decree or authorized order.
