Beloved Actor Defends Himself Amid Casting News For Problematic Webtoon-Based K-Drama In The Making
Naver WEBTOON Get Schooled is a notorious one; Notoriously problematic enough that it has been removed from the platform for international readers and placed on an indefinite hiatus on the Korean app.
The Korean original and its localized versions had over 99 million views before being flagged over its “sudden, extremely racist plotline,” for which the creators have since apologized.
While the series remains unavailable, the news of its K-Dramafication and the potential cast lineup have come to the center of attention for both Korean and international K-WEBTOON and K-Drama fans alike.
Star News first reported in an exclusive coverage that actor Kim Nam Gil has been confirmed to take on the role of the main character, Na Hwa Jin. In the WEBTOON original, Na Hwa Jin is an employee of the Ministry of Education who gets called in to handle school bullies in the most unorthodox ways that have been outlawed in their world.
Given the recent backlash surrounding the racist episode (and Get Schooled in general), the K-Dramafication was deemed questionable—and therefore, Kim Nam Gil’s alleged acceptance of the role also raised concerns.
Kim Nam Gil’s fans have since shared a statement, voicing their concerns about the problematic nature of the WEBTOON original. In the statement, fans asked Kim Nam Gil to “remember his female and/or international fans” and, thus, to “turn down the role as soon as possible.”
Following the buzz, actor Kim Nam Gil has since taken to his Instagram to clear the air. With a Stories update, Kim clarified that he has, in fact, received the script for Get Schooled to review, but that he has been too occupied with his current K-Drama to even read it.
Hello, this is Kim Nam Gil. Today is a fantastic day I return to you all as Priest Kim Hae Il on The Fiery Priest.
I heard that a lot of you have grown worried over a casting news article that got published yesterday. While it is true that my management company received an offer for a role on the K-Drama Get Schooled, I have not had the time to personally review the material. Since I believe it’s only polite for me to directly accept or turn down the offer, I would need to review it first before making a decision. But I have not had the time because I’m so focused on The Fiery Priest right now. I don’t have the time or the energy to even consider anything else.
The entire cast and production team of The Fiery Priest are working really hard on wrapping up the final shoot to make sure it does not disappoint the fans who have adored the show and waited so long for this second season. Please know that I’m always trying my absolute best to not disappoint the fans who have loved and supported me through all my work. I would hope that you could continue to trust me so. I also hope that you have fun with The Fiery Priest every weekend this winter. Please stay healthy and happy.
— Kim Nam Gil
Not a lot has been revealed about the K-Drama version of Get Schooled, according to the Star News report. Director Hong Jong Chan, best known for his Netflix originals, Juvenile Justice and Mr. Plankton, remains confirmed to direct the adaptation.
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