3 CRUCIAL Misrepresentations of South Korea in “A Time Called You”: A Controversy Explained!

The Korean drama “A Time Called You” on Netflix has become one of the platform’s standout shows. Starring Ahn Hyo Seop, Jeon Yeo Been, and Kang Hoon, the South Korean adaptation of the Taiwanese series, “Someday or One Day,” has created another buzz among Korean drama enthusiasts despite its previous issues. Unfortunately, amidst its rising popularity, Netflix “A Time Called You” Korean drama must face more controversy regarding various misrepresentations of South Korea that are crucial in the drama. Check out the following complete report for “A Time Called You” controversy explained.

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**Netflix “A Time Called You” Korean Drama Faces MORE Controversy**

Leading OTT platform Netflix recently adapted one of the most spectacular and breakthrough Taiwanese series, “Someday or One Day,” into a Korean drama titled “A Time Called You”.

Since the first time the adaptation announcement emerged, fans have been sending mixed responses about the new Korean drama.

Despite featuring South Korea’s actors with skyrocketing popularity, Ahn Hyo Seop, Jeon Yeo Been, and Kang Hoon, some viewers have been against Netflix “A Time Called You” Korean drama. That is because the release of the Korean drama version will result in negative effects and the declining popularity of the original. And it didn’t happen because of quality issues in the original version but simply because of the hallyu wave effect.

After its official release on September 8, Netflix “A Time Called You” Korean drama has attracted the attention of many Korean drama fans.

As previously discussed, the new Korean drama provides an entirely different concept of time travel. The plot was exceptionally complex and some viewers would need a special guide for “A Time Called You” story and timeline explained.

!! Spoiler

I made a relationship chart to explain things to my mom cause she is so confused (she dislike fantasy genre 😂)#ATimeCalledYou pic.twitter.com/uAEk3JfVQM
— Miya (@wynnstelle) September 10, 2023

Additionally, the extraordinary acting performance of Ahn Hyo Seop and Jeon Yeo Been in portraying different characters in different timelines make Netflix “A Time Called You” Korean drama truly worth watching.

Yet, the Korean drama “A Time Called You” on Netflix faced significant criticism from fans. That is because while the overall qualities of the series were impeccable, details of the Korean drama delivered misrepresentations of South Korea.

3 CRUCIAL Misrepresentations of South Korea: A Controversy Explained!

Following its premiere, Netflix “A Time Called You” Korean drama has received mixed reactions from fans. Apparently, the Korean version of the series could not match the expectations of the original series’ fandom.

Indeed, the Taiwanese drama “Someday or One Day” has been one of the most popular masterpieces among international drama fans. Therefore, when Netflix “A Time Called You” Korean drama was released and fans found so many inaccuracies of the Korean version that strayed from the original storyline, fans started criticizing the series.

What’s worse, Netflix “A Time Called You” Korean drama also portrayed some crucial misrepresentations of South Korea’s students in 1998. And these misrepresentations had been massively hindering viewers from immersing themselves entirely in the drama.

Here’s explained the 3 most crucial misrepresentations of 1998 South Korea in Netflix “A Time Called You” Korean drama.

1. High School Students Riding Scooters in 1998 South Korea?

The first and most crucial misrepresentation was the use of scooters in Netflix “A Time Called You” Korean drama.

Indeed, the scooter scene in the Korean version was meant to adapt from the original. However, it resulted in an inaccurate portrayal of South Korea that only resulted in viewers questioning the details.

That is because scooters were not common for students in 1998 South Korea. In fact, most high schoolers back then were not allowed to ride scooters.

For one, you would need a license to ride scooters, which wasn’t available for high school students. Therefore, if you are a high school student riding a scooter in 1998 South Korea, you are most likely a delinquent.

Still, in Netflix “A Time Called You” Korean drama, the two male lead characters were model students. However, the scenes showed these model students riding scooters, which was forbidden at the time. Therefore, these details badly conflicted with each other, resulting in the failure of basic logic and disturbing the viewers’ immersion.

2. The Supposedly “Countryside” High School

The second controversy that disturbed viewers’ immersion is the series’ failure to describe ‘a countryside high school’.

The story states that the three main characters attended a high school in the countryside area. However, the production team shot the school scenes at Yonsei University for the exterior appearance. Not only that but even when the crew created their own set for the school’s interior, both settings looked like the luxurious building of a prestigious school.

These luxurious settings were far from the ‘countryside’ school the main character was supposed to attend.

What’s worse, most schools in 1998 South Korea used chalkboards in the classroom. But the main characters’ school Netflix “A Time Called You” used whiteboards.

Again, the basic logic did not match and only failed the viewers’ immersion.

School settings in Netflix “A Time Called You” Korean drama. | TheQoo

3. Wrong Uniform!

Finally, viewers also criticized the inaccurate portrayals of the school uniform in Netflix “A Time Called You”.

Understandably, the Korean version adapted the uniform from the original series, “Someday or One Day”. That is why the female lead wore uniforms with huge ribbons and shortened skirts. However, this detail does not match South Korea’s situation in 1998.

According to Korean viewers, back in 1998, South Korea’s high school students mostly wore longer skirts and blazers. Both male and female students also wore ties, not ribbons like the ones in “A Time Called You”.

In comparison, the Korean drama “Reply 1997” provided a more accurate portrayal of the school situation of South Korea at the time.

Finally, spring season in 1998 South Korea was way colder than it is today. That is why at the time, students would still wear their winter uniform in spring. But the main characters in the series walked along the cherry blossoms wearing the summer uniform, where the weather was supposed to be very cold.

In a Korean online community, viewers commented:

“They used scooters for school in 1998? Unless the school had lax rules or was poorly managed, they would’ve faced complaints.”
“It appears the drama prioritized aesthetics.”
“They could’ve stayed true to the original uniforms and school setting. Nonetheless, I found it enjoyable.”
“The use of a whiteboard feels out of place.”
“Given these inconsistencies, they shouldn’t have specified a particular time period.”
“If they committed to the project, they should’ve been thorough. This feels half-hearted.”

Your Thoughts?

So, what do you think about these misrepresentations in Netflix “A Time Called You”?

Nobody can argue that both the Korean and Taiwanese version of the series provided their own dramatic turnovers and storylines with different appeals.

However, it’s crucial to ensure accuracy in details, even when adapting a series from a different culture. If the Korean version managed to provide more accurate details of the above misrepresentations, it would result in better immersion into the drama’s storyline.

Do you think so, too? Please share your thoughts in the comments and stay with Kpoppost Instagram, Threads, Facebook, Twitter, and Telegram channel for more updates.

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