"Joseon Exorcist" Apologizes For Controversy Over Historical Inaccuracies + To Take 1-Week Break

Update: SBS Permanently Cancels “Joseon Exorcist” After 2 Episodes Due To Historical Distortion Controversy

Original Article:

The “Joseon Exorcist” production team and SBS have released new statements regarding controversy over historical distortion in the drama.

Previously on March 23, the drama released an initial statement regarding Chinese style props and food from the premiere episode. However, backlash continued after the second episode included more Chinese style elements.

On March 24, the production company released the following statement:

This is an official statement regarding drama “Joseon Exorcist” from the production company and SBS.

First of all, regarding the Chinese style artwork and props (such as mooncakes), we once again apologize for causing a misunderstanding and discomfort to viewers during a sensitive time.

The problematic moments from the scene welcoming the exorcist will all be removed for the VOD replays and television reruns.

In response to the criticism that some of the clothing and props are Chinese style, this is entirely the production team’s mistake for not recognizing the issue beforehand. For future broadcasts, we will edit out these parts as much as possible and work our hardest on production to not cause discomfort to viewers.

However, it is completely false that the drama received Chinese funding, and it is a drama that is entirely Korean-funded. Unlike the other cases of Chinese sponsorship and production support that became issues recently, “Joseon Exorcist” is a drama that is being produced with 100 percent Korean funds.

Although this drama borrowed historical figures and settings, it is a fantasy fusion historical drama that began with the imaginary thought, “What if evil spirits arise and enter the ambitions of humans during the chaos of Joseon’s early days?” We planned on drawing the stories of how Taejong, Prince Chungnyeong, and Prince Yangnyeong each overcome crises and run towards their goals.

Although we tried to express the reality of fear with actual historical figures and focus on imaginary fantasy elements, we overlooked that we could cause great commotion during this serious time. We bow our heads in apology for causing disappointment to viewers due to the production team’s imperfections when we should have prepared with a strong sense of responsibility as it is a drama dealing with actual historical figures.

We humbly accept the viewers’ opinions regarding this issue, and starting in the upcoming broadcast of episode 3, we will completely change the roles into fictional characters fitting for the fantasy fiction genre, and we will edit or re-film potentially problematic parts as much as possible.

In the future, we will carry a stricter sense of responsibility in producing the drama, and we will do our best to not cause harm to the actors and staff who are participating in the drama.

SBS additionally released this statement:

This is SBS’ statement regarding the SBS Monday-Tuesday drama “Joseon Exorcist” that has recently been controversial.

SBS programmed “Joseon Exorcist” with the aim to introduce a well-made fantasy fusion historical drama to viewers.

However, as it deals with actual historical figures and history, we should have paid closer attention in validating [the information], so we feel strong responsibility for not doing so. We sincerely apologize to viewers for this.

The VOD replays and television reruns of the first two episodes that have aired so far will be halted until they are edited. In addition, we will reorganize the overall story by taking a one-week break from broadcasts next week.

By thoroughly validating the contents in the production process of future “Joseon Exorcist” broadcasts, we will do our best to not cause any discomfort to viewers.

We once again sincerely apologize.

“Joseon Exorcist” premiered on March 22 at 10 p.m. KST and airs on Mondays and Tuesdays.

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