Prior to Jung Hae In and BLACKPINK Jisoo's "Snowdrop" release, the drama had been involved in many issues and allegations for its controversial plot.
On January 11, over 30 professors and scholars signed and submitted a petition for the drama broadcast reconsideration.
Professors and Scholars Submit Petition for 'Snowdrop' Broadcast Reconsideration
On January 11, over 30 majors professors and scholars of Korean studies signed and submitted a formal petition to the president of Disney Plus Asia Pacific in regards to Jung Hae In and BLACKPINK Jisoo's "Snowdrop" historical distortion.
Composed by professors of Korean studies from institutions like Ehwa Women's University, Pusal National Universtiy, The George Washington University and more, as well as scholars from University of Toronto, Princeton and Harvard gathered to address two major historical concerns within the controversial drama "Snowdrop."
The petitioners stated that they signed the petition not to discard the drama but rather, request for an expert to carefully examine the historical references made in the series.
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"We believe that Disney Plus, as a global platform, is not aware of the historical and socio-political context the show portrays," the petitioners continued. "We believe that platforms should deliver an informed decision when it comes to globally broadcasting a show set in recent, still relevant history [like Korean history of 1987.]"
Cheon Young Cho and Other Historical Figure's Influence on 'Snowdrop' Characters
The professors and scholars' first concern is the reference to the real-life historical figure Cheon Young Cho, who influenced and modeled the female lead character Eun Young Ro, played by BLACKPINK Jisoo.
It became an issue in the early half of 2021, prior to the drama's release. The petitioners also discussed the potential references to Cheon Young Cho's husband, Jeong Mun Hwa, a great figure in the democracy movement.
The second concern raised by the professors is Heo Jun Ho's character, Eun Chang Soo. He is the father of BLACKPINK Jisoo's character.
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It was pointed out that Heo Jun Ho's character may have been remodeled after another historical figure, military officer Park Jun Byung, the commander of the 20th Infantry Division in Gwangju in May 1980, who led one of the worst massacres of civilians in Korean history.
Disney Plus hasn't released a statement yet, and is currently reviewing the said petition. A middleground and consensus is expected after the preliminary examination of the petition.
On the other hand, broadcast network JTBC is determined to push the drama's broadcast through, as they stand by their statement previously. To quote, "The succeeding episodes will give light to all unanswered questions and confusions prior to the drama's release."
READ MORE: JTBC Releases Statement Regarding New Drama 'Snowdrop' + To Push Broadcast Amid Controversy
Moreover, Jung Hae In and BLACKPINK Jisoo's "Snowdrop" airs every Saturday and Sunday on JTBC and on Disney Plus for online streaming.
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Written by Elijah Mully.
