In South Korea, Antagonism Toward China Is Growing
Voice of America
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - For South Korean viewers, the “Joseon Exorcist” historical fantasy series seemed to have all the ingredients for a big budget television hit.
Set in the 15th century, the drama follows well-known historical figures in the royal family of Korea’s famed Joseon Dynasty who battle evil spirits in a fictional twist that plays into the zombie craze sweeping South Korean entertainment. But when the series debuted last month, South Koreans weren’t impressed. Instead, many were incensed that Korean characters were shown drinking Chinese liquor and eating Chinese food, such as dumplings, mooncake pastries and preserved “century eggs.” Outrage over the Chinese elements, along with other historical inaccuracies, quickly devolved into an advertiser boycott. The show, which had a $28 million budget, was canceled after just two episodes. The TV channel on which it appeared apologized for offending the Korean people.Palestinians gather at the site of an Israeli strike on a camp for internally displaced people in Rafah on May 27, 2024. Fire rages following an Israeli strike on an area designated for displaced Palestinians, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, in this still picture taken from a video, May 26, 2024. Palestinians gather at the site of an Israeli strike on a camp for internally displaced people in Rafah on May 27, 2024. A member of the bomb squad of the Israeli police collects debris after a rocket fired by Palestinian militants struck in the Israeli city of Herzliya on May 26, 2024.