ALBAWABA - Herald Corporation reported on Feb. 4, 2024, that streaming services including Netflix and OTT are receiving all kinds of criticism for featuring smoking scenes without restrictions in their K-drama series, according to All Kpop.
In response to the ongoing criticism, the Korean government is planning to limit and censor smoking scenes in K-drama shows by asking the WHO (World Health Organization) to fulfill its request.
The South Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare disclosed information about participating in the upcoming WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control conference which will happen later this month.
When we think about smoking in a K-drama series, Netflix's "Doona!" comes to mind as the main character Suzy smokes quite a bit taking inspiration from the Webtoon which also has her smoking frequently in her daily life.
Censoring smoking causes mixed reactions among K-drama fans
Korean Netizens had quite a lot to say based on screenshots from All Kpop:
"Why are they cracking down on smoking scenes when there are countless scenes of characters drinking excessively and engaging in violent acts every day? What a strange country. If they're going to censor smoking scenes, then they should also censor the heavy drinking scenes."
""Drugs are okay but cigarettes are not? What a strange country."
Doona! / Netflix
On the other hand, Arab viewers on an X post (formerly known as Twitter) reacted differently to the news:
"What's nice about Korean series is that they don't usually include dirty scenes."
"The best decision ever!"
"Great! Hopefully Arabic series follow K-drama."
Some users also agreed with the Korean Netizens and stated that censoring and banning smoking is "useless" as K-drama shows also depict a plethora of violence and alcohol-drinking scenes. In our opinion, an age rating will simply do the job!
