Sensational Korean Dramas That Got Banned!

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You probably don't know, or maybe you do, what a sucker I am for k-drama. And I've watched more than my fair share of Korean dramas because I just love the plot, the plot twists, storyline-delivery and all of that. It was only after I watched a few very sensational K-dramas did I realize that it had been banned in the home country. And I thought this weird but because of the nature of these dramas, I should have guessed why a somewhat conservative nation would have it banned. A quick review of these few favourites of mine.

Squid Game (2021)

So most of us may already know or have even watched this series or even the second season I hear recently got out. I'm not sure how often film productions have a rating as high as 8/10 on IMDb but Squid Game pulled it off in a thrillingly beautiful way. Hundreds of citizens in financially-strapped situations accept the invitation to become contestants in children's games for a prize they can't refuse. Contrary to their expectations of the games being a nostalgic gateway to their childhood with a prize attached, these contestants soon realize that the stakes are deadly...and that too, not figuratively. Why was it banned, though? That's because of the suicidal violence and Korean economy controversy highlighted in the series.

Eve (2022)

Lee Ra El is on a quest for blood. You see, she seeks revenge as the daughter of an influential family whose parents were killed when she was a child by one of the richest clans in Korea. Eve knows she's a woman who has beauty and brains on her side and so concludes that the only way to completely take this clan out is to seep in quietly, succinctly and innocently in a way that would ensure that before she is caught, it's already too late and she would have executed her plan. It feels like a storyline we've seen a thousand times in Western films. But Eve presents it in a way that leaves you at the edge of your seat all through. Why were the first three episodes banned in Korea, however? That's because of the sexual content showcased.

Pachinko (2022)

I remember jumping at this series because one of my favourite Korean actors was featured in it and even though he didn't play the leading role, I expected to be blown away by it. The series sort of flows from the end to the beginning and back again. A forbidden romance that leads to a sensational saga in the shores of Korea, Japan and America is what becomes the story that gives rise to the hopes and dreams of four generations of a Korean Immigrant family. I personally thought the ending to this was rushed in a way that belittled the strength portrayed in the drama. It should have stretched far more than the eight episodes that kit had, but I figured it was because of the heat already on their backs due to the sexual violence it contained and then, the subsequent ban in Korea.

Lastly, we have,

Nevertheless (2021)

This is a personal favourite of mine. What do you do in the situation where your fellow artist and partner has sculpted something explicit of you, puts your name on the art work and proceeds to have it presented at a museum without your consent? In a conservative state where everyone seems to know everyone, that is more or less your worst nightmare. This romantic tale tells the story of Na Bi, a woman who wants to date but doesn't or no longer believes in love and a man, Jae-eon, who is annoyed with relationships but loves to flirt...(I know, I thought what you're thinking too, lol). The story is hopeful and compelling, but was banned because of the adult scenes it contained.

Anyway, there you have it! Whether Korean dramas are traditionally your cup of tea or not, these are four quit exciting dramas and I hope you enjoy them!

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