If you’re a K-drama fan, then you’ve probably heard about Snowdrop, the political romance drama that made headlines for all the wrong reasons. The series, produced by JTBC and streamed on Disney+, faced backlash from South Korean netizens for its supposed glorification of certain political figures and distorted portrayal of the country’s history. Despite the controversy, Snowdrop managed to captivate audiences with its exceptional performances, particularly from its leading actors Jisoo and Jung Hae-in.
Controversy Surrounding Snowdrop
The uproar over Snowdrop started in the summer of 2021 when an unofficial synopsis of the drama began circulating online. Netizens claimed that the series was insensitive to Koreans and their fight for freedom from dictatorship, with its storyline based on distorted historical facts. The drama’s alleged glorification of certain political figures and its mixing of politics and romance further fueled the backlash.
The controversy led to two petitions calling for the show’s cancellation, with netizens accusing the actors of being blind to the issues at hand. JTBC defended the series, stating that the storyline would change as the episodes aired, but the damage had already been done.
Snowdrop’s Ratings and Fan Reactions
Despite the initial backlash, Snowdrop managed to pull through with its riveting storyline and outstanding performances. The drama started with low ratings but hit an all-time high during the finale, with an average rating of 3.4 percent, according to Nielsen Korea. Fans praised Jisoo for her impressive portrayal of Young-ro, a female college student who falls in love with a North Korean spy. Many were surprised by Jisoo’s acting skills, considering that this was her first leading role in a K-drama.
Jung Hae-in’s Acting Prowess in Snowdrop
Jung Hae-in, who played the role of Lim Soo-ho, a North Korean spy posing as a German economics student, also received praise from fans. His portrayal of the character’s multi-faceted personality and his ability to convey emotions through his eyes alone impressed viewers. Fans agreed that Jung’s performance was one of the best they’ve seen in a K-drama.
Despite the immense backlash that Snowdrop faced, its actors proved that they were worthy of praise in the K-drama industry. The drama might have started with controversy, but it ended with fans raving about its exceptional performances and storyline.
