South Korean broadcaster MBC has recently unveiled a teaser for its upcoming K-drama To The Moon. However, the teaser received extreme backlash over cultural insensitivity. Several viewers criticised the network for using the racist undertones against Indians.
Fans across different regions have called for MBC to address the criticism directly, urging the network to take responsibility and avoid repeating harmful stereotypes.
Soon after the backlash, the network deleted the teaser and issued an apology. The network admitted to the shortcomings in its creative process in the apology letter. They also acknowledged that it failed to consider how the content might be perceived across different cultural contexts.
According to Koreaboo, the statement reads, "The drama’s storyline is set against the backdrop of a confectionery company, and the teaser was created as a parody of a famous ice cream commercial from the 1980s and 1990s. We failed to consider the perspectives of other cultures during this process."
The network promised viewers that it would be more sensitive going forward and consider the comments to avoid any future controversy. MBC said, "We will be more careful and considerate in the future to avoid causing discomfort."
For the unversed, the teaser was criticised for allegedly featuring racist overtones. The video, which featured Lee Sun-bin, Ra Mi-ran, Jo A-ram, and Kim Young-dae, was initially meant to be a parody of a well-known commercial from the 1980s and 1990s, according to MBC.
The teaser was allegedly created to resemble a well-known ice cream commercial from that era, and the drama itself is set against the backdrop of a confectionery company.
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Meanwhile, the upcoming K-drama To The Moon is about ordinary people struggling with financial instability, workplace injustices, and rising household debt in contrast to society’s emphasis on wealth and appearances.
The K-drama stars Lee Sun Bin, Ra Mi Ran, and Jo A Ram in the lead. While further details of the series await, To The Moon promises to explore themes of survival and aspiration as its characters embark on a unique journey.
To The Moon will air every Friday and Saturday from September 19 to October 25 on MBC.
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