Kim Tae Ri’s long-anticipated K-drama Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born is currently the subject of controversy after insiders reportedly leaked that the company removed a prominent lesbian storyline in the original webtoon.
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On Sept. 12, a popular Korean online forum Theqoo was filled with conversation following reports that the company behind Jeongnyeon “modified” their drama’s character by removing what they referred to as “sensitive” girl love (GL) aspects in the webtoon.
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The announcement has been widely seen as negative for the webtoon fans.
One user stated, “I shouldn’t have supported the adaptation of the lesbian relationship.” Other comments criticized the company for questioning the choice to adopt a girl love story and criticized the portrayal of the character and its implications for LGBTQ+ visibility in South Korea.
Some commenters accused MBC of perpetuating discrimination against sexual minorities by removing GL elements from the plot. “Removing the GL elements now just seems like a huge hate crime against sexual minorities,” one user lamented.
Some users also commented positively on the news.
“I don’t think GL is the problem,” one commenter stated. “They could just change the detailed scenario.” Another user expressed support for MBC, citing the complexities of public broadcasting and the challenges of navigating audience expectations.
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The producers have not yet made an official statement on the criticism. Fans are still hoping to hear reports that the drama was modified for streaming before its premiere later this year.
SEE: Kim Tae Ri Recalls Bad First Impression of ‘Alienoid 2’ Co-Star Ryu Jun Yeol
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