Netflix’s upcoming K-Drama, Can This Love Be Translated?, is encountering significant backlash in South Korea prior to its release. The controversy is largely attributed to the show’s Japanese male lead, Sota Fukushi, whose previous comments have ignited strong reactions among Korean audiences. Fukushi, a prominent actor in Japan, is set to make his debut in a Korean drama with this project.
The issue stems from a documentary-style program aired in Japan in 2015 commemorating the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. During this broadcast, Fukushi read letters written by kamikaze pilots and shared personal anecdotes involving his grandfather, who had trained for a kamikaze mission before Japan’s surrender. His emotional response during the segment, where he expressed respect for his grandfather and the soldiers of that era, has been met with mixed interpretations.
While many Japanese viewers perceived Fukushi’s comments as a gesture of empathy towards the tragedies of war, the reaction from South Korean netizens has been overwhelmingly negative. One user expressed outrage, stating, “This is seriously pissing me off.” Others echoed similar sentiments, questioning the casting decision: “Why cast someone like that? It’s not like we don’t have actors in this country.” Several comments highlighted feelings of frustration regarding Fukushi’s involvement in a Korean drama, with one user asking, “How dare you crawl into a Korean drama?”
The controversy reflects deep-seated tensions stemming from historical grievances between Japan and South Korea, particularly regarding the legacy of World War II. The casting of a Japanese actor, particularly one who has expressed admiration for wartime figures, can evoke strong emotions among those who view this as an affront to historical sensitivities.
As the premiere date approaches, Netflix may need to navigate the fallout from this backlash. The company has not yet released a statement addressing the controversy, but the situation underscores the complexities of cross-cultural collaborations in the entertainment industry, especially in regions with fraught historical contexts.
The response to Fukushi’s casting is indicative of a broader discourse among Korean viewers, who are increasingly vocal about their expectations for representation in media. With the rise of K-Dramas on international platforms, the stakes for casting decisions have never been higher.
While it remains to be seen how this controversy will affect the show’s reception, it is clear that audiences are demanding a more nuanced approach to historical representation in entertainment. As Can This Love Be Translated? prepares for its launch, the dialogue surrounding its cast will likely continue to evolve.
