'Family Drama' "Backstreet Rookie" Begins in Controversy

The new SBS Friday – Saturday drama "Backstreet Rookie", which is based on a webtoon with the same name, began in controversy.

Advertisement

The drama was a hot issue since before its release for its collaboration of PD Lee Myeong-woo, who had a taste of success with B-grade comedy drama "The Fiery Priest", and actors Ji Chang-wook and Kim You-jung.

Anticipation was high on how the original webtoon would be dramatized with its male-dominant style.

As if to acknowledge this, in the press release of the drama, Lee Myeong-woo said, "We are directing the drama to something the whole family can watch. We are trying to pick out the strength and positive elements of the original characters to create a drama the whole family can enjoy".

However, unlike his statement, in the first episode of "Backstreet Rookie", Jeong Saet-byeol (Kim You-jung) was seen charming Choi Dae-hyeon (Ji Chang-wook) to buy cigarettes, characters went into an office-tel complex where prostitution happened to show how naïve the character was and a webtoon artist drew adult rated pictures, specifically a female part.

Viewers are strongly criticizing the scenes, which glorify male fantasies and objectify female sexuality. Some viewers are reporting the broadcast to the Korea Communications Standards Commission.

The first episode of the drama rated 4.8% and 6.3%.

___________

"Backstreet Rookie" is directed by Lee Myeong-woo, written by Son Geun-joo, and features Ji Chang-wook, Kim You-jung, Han Sunhwa, Do Sang-woo, Ahn Solbin, Kim Sun-young. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2020/06/19~Now airing, Fri, Sat 22:00 on SBS.