The new KBS drama "You're the Best Lee Soon Shin" was harshly critiqued for a scene in the first episode.
March 9, the first episode of the new KBS weekend drama "You're the Best Lee Soon Shin" drew attention when a character stated, "Why don't you just apply for the army and protect Dokdo island or something?"
The problematic scene is from a job interview Lee Soon Shin (IU) goes to. In the middle of the competitive job market, Lee Soon Shin was not even given a single question. Noticing this situation, Lee Soon Shin asks, "Hi, how come you don't ask me anything? There are a lot of things I prepared."
The interviewers look through Lee Soon Shin's resume and say, "There is nothing to ask. If you have something you want to say, go ahead." The response was from the fact that she didn't have anything professional in her resume.
Lee Soon Shin says, "Uh... Me.. so I.. there is nothing about me that is more special compared to the others but I am very hard working and very motivated.." In the middle of her speech, the interviewers cut her off and ask, "Is this your real name? Lee Soon Shin?" Lee Soon Shin hesitates and blurts out, "Excuse me?" and all the people in the room laugh and say, "Instead of our company, how about applying for the army and protecting Dokdo island or something?" (Historical reference. There was an army leader named Lee Soon Shin in the Korean history.)
In the matter of seconds, Lee Soon Shin became the laughing stock of the room.
The scene offended a significant amount of viewers. They understood that the drama is trying to portray its main character as an ordinary girl who works hard to achieve her dream. However, the issue at hand was the fact that they were making a joke out of the historical hero, Lee Soon Shin. Many viewers believed the reference was very inappropriate especially when Korea and Japan are still sensitive about the Island. Lee Soon Shin was a Korean army general in the Chosun Dynasty who led Korea to defeat Japan. He will always be a hero in Korea.
Viewers who had an issue with the joke in the drama responded with comments like, "The line in the drama was something that made fun of General Lee Soon Shin. Even though the character in the drama has the same name as the General, it was very inappropriate."
Meanwhile in the drama, Lee Soon Shin struggles to continue her life after the death of her beloved father.
