Hotly Anticipated K-Drama Pulls Promotions Due To Rampant Homophobia

He promises the K-Drama will be released.
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Tegan Sweeting
Tegan Sweeting

A K-Drama has been receiving backlash for its LGBTQIA+ storyline.

Since it was announced that actors Jin Ho Eun (All of Us Are Dead, Revenge of Others, Nevertheless, and Sh**ting Stars) and Nam Yoon Su (Extracurricular, Birthcare Center, Beyond Evil, and The King’s Affection) were cast as Kyu Ho (also romanized Gyuho) and Go Young, respectively, in new BL (Boy Love) K-Drama Love in the Big City, many fans have been looking forward to the release. The K-Drama is adapted from Park Sang Young‘s best-selling novel of the same name, which was Sang’s first work published in English as it was translated by Anton Hur, who also worked on BTS‘s Beyond the Story.

An audacious tale of two roommates, one a gay man and another a straight woman. Through the eyes of Mi Ae begins Go Yeong’s clumsy love story. Stories of laughter, tears, and wounds between a mother in denial of her son’s sexuality and his being unable to escape societal judgment. Go Yeong finally meets a pure love like no other, Gyu Ho, but has no choice but to let him go. With Gyu Ho gone, Go Yeong follows a stranger to Thailand and spends a late monsoon vacation. Reminiscing about the good old days that can never be retrieved, he achieves complete personal growth.

— ktalpha.kr via MyDramaList

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BL fans especially have been hyping it up across X (formerly Twitter), as it will be released soon. Nam Yoon Su has been praised as a mainstream actor who bravely accepted a gay role.

Despite netizens’ excitement, religious groups have recently begun protests, calling out CJeS for “supporting the production of a drama that glorifies and encourages homosexuality.”. They are demanding for the K-Drama’s cancellation.

Inspect the Korea Contents Association as the Ministry of Tourism, Sports, and Culture wastes tax-payers money to support a homosexual drama!

— Protest banner

Fans were outraged when it appeared that religious groups had reported the K-Drama’s trailers and had them removed. Yet, Love In The Big City writer Park Sang Young  has now revealed that the production company, TVING, removed the trailers and halted promotions due to content complaints. Despite this, Sang promised that Love In The Big City would be released no matter what.

Due to a certain organization targeting the drama ‘Love in the Big City’ and the flood of complaints filed with the relevant department, we ended up having to take down all the official trailers. It’s just nine days before the drama’s premiere, and we’re in a ridiculous situation where we can’t promote it at all. I’m so frustrated that I couldn’t sleep a wink all night. I thought I had gotten used to these kinds of things after eight years as a writer.

— Park Sang Young

But no. The ugly face of hate is something I can never get used to, no matter how many times I experience it. I’m looking for ways to resume advertising. No matter what happens, we will definitely premiere on October 21st. Everyone, please enjoy it to the fullest! In the end, we will win!

Must be a sign this is going to be huge.

— Park Sang Young

Netizens are disappointed that TVING has given in to pressure from homophobic groups. They feel that we shouldn’t have to be concerned about homophobic censorship in 2024.

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The Love in the Big City film, starring Kim Go Eun, also based on the book, recently premiered, and the K-Drama will premiere on October 21, 2024. Read more about Nam Yoon Su’s response to homophobia below.

Popular Actor Addresses Backlash And Homophobia For Starring In New BL K-Drama

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