An argument has emerged following the discharge of a much-anticipated Disney present. Within the sequence Tempest, Jun Ji-hyun’s scripted line about China drew backlash on-line, highlighting how a short scene sparked widespread criticism.
Why is Tempest going through backlash from Chinese language audiences?
Tempest, the brand new South Korean spy thriller on Disney+ and Hulu, is going through backlash from Chinese language audiences after a controversial line delivered by lead actress Jun Ji-hyun. In a single episode, her character Munju says, “Why does China favor conflict? A nuclear bomb may fall close to the border,” which many Chinese language social media customers interpreted as portraying their nation as belligerent.
This sparked outrage on-line, with viewers calling for world manufacturers to sever ties with Jun Ji-hyun. Reportedly, luxurious manufacturers like Louis Vuitton, La Mer, and Piaget have since eliminated her from their social media accounts. (by way of BBC)
The dispute ties into an extended historical past of cultural tensions. Since 2016, South Korean content material has confronted an unofficial ban in China following Seoul’s deployment of the U.S. THAAD missile system, which Beijing opposed. Though by no means formally acknowledged, this ban sharply lowered the presence of Ok-pop and Ok-dramas in China.
In latest months, indicators of easing appeared when South Korean performers, such because the hip-hop group Homies, have been allowed to carry live shows in China for the primary time in years. The Tempest controversy, nonetheless, has reignited nationalist sentiment on-line, with one Weibo remark stating, “Hold the Ok-drama ban to the loss of life, thanks,” receiving greater than 10k likes.
The present additionally drew criticism for depicting Dalian metropolis with run-down buildings and utilizing a carpet resembling the Chinese language flag. Viewers additional objected to Jun Ji-hyun’s accent whereas reciting a Chinese language poem.
Some defended the actress, arguing she didn’t write the road and was solely performing a script. “Jun Ji-hyun is simply an actor. It’s unattainable for her to know the historical past of a rustic,” one Weibo consumer wrote. Others rejected this protection, saying, “She has a alternative of script, she will learn the script!”
Regardless of the backlash, Tempest continues to carry out properly on Disney+ and Hulu, topping streaming charts throughout South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. On the similar time, the controversy has offered recent momentum for Chinese language audiences supporting restrictions on Korean leisure.
