Following “Snowdrop”, which has been criticized for distorting history, another JTBC’s new drama seems to have also become the center of controversies.

JTBC’s “When the Day Breaks” which is scheduled to air in the second half of next year, has already done casting and is currently in the filming stage.

“When the Day Breaks” tells the story of when a forensic scientist at the National Forensic Service becomes a murder suspect and the hidden truth to be revealed through profilers.

However, as soon as the production stage began, “When the Day Breaks” has been involved in controversy over beautifying the Communist Party and has already received harsh look from the public.

This is because “When the Day Breaks” is based on the Chinese mystery novel “The Long Night”.

At the time of its publication, “The Long Night” was criticized as a propaganda novel for President Xi Jinping of China.

It justifies Xi Jinping administration’s campaign to eradicate corruption, which is a static purge process. In addition, it is suspected to contain suggestions on the fall of President Xi Jinping’s political opponents.

On the official Weibo of the Prosecutors’ Office under the Communist Party of China, public posts congratulating and promoting the publication of “The Long Night” have continued to be publicized.

The original author Zijin Chen mocked and disparaged Hong Kong’s democracy movement forces, saying, “They are lazy and have no serious piece of work.”

In addition to the author’s perception of Hong Kong’s independence movement, the original work is also criticized for glorifying President Xi Jinping and further supporting the Communist Party system.

Although the story development is different, the public is paying keen attention to the fact that JTBC has dramatized based on such a novel.

“When the Day Breaks” has temporarily suspended its schedule after filming up to episode 8.

JTBC said, “We are reorganizing for completeness”, adding that the schedule to resume filming has not been decided.

Although there was no specific reason, it is interpreted that they felt burdened to continue filming amid growing public outrage over “Snowdrop”.

It seems that after examining public opinion on the airing of “Snowdrop“, the future schedule for “When the Day Breaks” will be fixed with certainty.

However, public opinion is not expected to subside easily as politicians are voicing criticism towards “Snowdrop” following patriotic martyrs Park Jong-chul and Lee Han-yeol, who are symbols of the democratization movement.

Source[1]

Director Kim Hyung Joo of The Match has finally shared his thoughts on Yoo Ah In’s involvement in a drug scandal, calling it a major disappointment, especially considering the actor’s role as the lead in the film.

On March 19th, the director attended a press screening and briefing for The Match at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul. Alongside Kim, actors Lee Byung Hun, Ko Chang Seok, Hyun Bong Sik, Moon Jung Hee, and Jo Woo Jin were present to discuss the film.

The Match revolves around the legendary Go player Cho Hun Hyun (played by Lee Byung Hun), who, after a loss to his disciple, decides to challenge the top players again, driven by his competitive spirit. The movie is directed by Kim Hyung Joo.

Lee Byung Hun plays the iconic Go champion Cho Hun Hyun, while Yoo Ah In portrays his disciple, Lee Chang Ho.

During the event, Kim recalled the casting process, saying, "When we were casting, Lee Byung Hun was cast first. Just having him felt like we had the world, and then, getting Yoo Ah In as a bonus made me even happier."

Although filming wrapped up in 2021, Yoo Ah In's drug scandal led to the indefinite postponement of the film’s release. Now, nearly four years later, The Match is finally set to hit theaters on March 26th.

Reflecting on Yoo Ah In's scandal, Director Kim openly shared his frustration, calling it "irresponsible and disappointing" for the actor to make such a mistake as the lead.

He added, “Before being an actor, he made a mistake as a member of society and was punished, so I don’t think there’s much more to say.” Kim smiled bitterly as he spoke.

Describing the challenges he faced due to the scandal, Kim compared the experience to being trapped in "a hellish tunnel."

He said, "There was nothing I could do inside, so it was overwhelming. But now that we have the light of release, it feels like I can breathe. I’m deeply moved."

The director also shared that because Yoo Ah In was the lead actor, the film had to be released as it was, without editing. This has led some people to feel uneasy about watching the film, given the actor’s scandal.

When asked about this, Director Kim said, "Choosing and judging is up to the audience, so I can't force anything. But I hope they watch the movie as it is. I unintentionally got hurt before the release, so I hope people watch the movie warmly, as if applying ointment to a wound."

The Match will officially be released on March 26th.

Source: [1]