"Narco-Saints" is in the hot waters once again after being criticized for how they portray Chang Chen's character.
In the six-part episode series, the Taiwanese actor took the role of the Chinese gang leader and drug lord Chen Zhen, who is in meth trading in Suriname.
Chinese Netizen Calls Out 'Narco-Saints' Because of Chang Chen's Character
According to a news portal, a Taiwanese media reported that Chinese netizens are accusing the K-drama of tainting the image of China through Chang Chen's portrayal of Chen Zhen.
Per the outlet, Chinese viewers were dismayed and offended as they took their anger on social media by pointing out that Chang Chen's role "undermines the image of Chinese people."
The same goes for Hong Kong media Yahoo after they reported mixed reactions from viewers with some saying that K-drama negatively depicts the image of China whether its a character or a storyline itself.
In "Narco-Saints" Chang Chen's role, Chen Zhen, dons a full-bodied tattoo, with long hair and often wears a colorful shirt.
Moreover, the character also illustrates brutal punishment to traitors by cutting off their feet and hanging the dead body in China Town's arc.
READ MORE: 'Narco-Saints' Enters Netflix's Top 10 Most Watched Series + Park Hae Soo Lauded for Playing Dual Role
Despite the backlash, "Narco-Saints" made it to Netflix's top 10 TV shows and was among the most watched series in several Asian countries like Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Morocco, Kenya, South Korea, Hong Kong, and the Bahamas.
'Narco-Saints' Controversy
Apart from the character of Chen Zhen, "Narco-Saints" also faced issues of defamation after it negatively portrayed the country of Suriname.
It came after Suriname's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Albert Ramdin, expressed his disappointment in depicting the country as a drug den.
In a report, a representative pointed out that "Suriname is not a land of drugs nor any syndicate" adding "We are doing our best to improve the image of our country, but Netflix pervades the negative image of Suriname through "Narco-Saints."
Following this, the Minister of Foreign Affairs warned Netflix and the drama's officials that they will be taking legal action against the series for painting the country as a "narco-state."
With this, the South Korean embassy in Venezuela issued a warning to Koreans living in the country to be vigilant.
In a report cited by Korea Times, an official statement was released noting that the "embassy staff are deeply concerned about the safety of Koreans."
However, they were viewed to do their utmost to protect and keep the community safe.
Is 'Narco-Saints' Worth the Hype?
The six-part episode series is based on a true story directed by Yoon Jong Bin of "The Spy Gone North."
"Narco-Saints" featured how a civilian businessman named Kang In Gu (Ha Jung Woo) was caught up in a mission of NIS, led by agent Choi Chang Ho (Park Hae Soo) to infiltrate the syndicate headed by a drug lord disguised as a pastor Jeon Yo Hwan (Hwang Jung Min.)
