With the recent controversies surrounding around the smoking scenes in various OTT platform, including Netflix series and Korean drama, South Korean government is looking to limit such exposure. However, was it really necessary? Especially with the growing issues of drugs, violence, and alcoholic drinking, why put special attention on these scenes only? Join us in a comprehensive discussion about the demands from Korean government on Korean drama and Netflix series
Rising Criticism on Smoking Scenes in Netflix Series and Korean Drama
A rising concern has been growing in the global filming industry due to explicit smoking scenes in OTT platforms, including Netflix series and Korean drama. These growing concerns resulted in the South Korean government imposing a plan to limit such scenes. And they will be proposing such limitations to the World Health Organization.
On February 4, Korean media outlet reported that the South Korean government plans to demand the limitation of smoking scenes in OTT platform series, including Netflix. According to the report, the government expresses their grave concerns that OTT platform series, including Netflix, have been displaying such scenes without precautions. They reportedly pose high risks in promoting and encouraging underage smoking to pre-teens and teenagers.
Therefore, South Korea will send its delegation to the 10th Conference of the Parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) held in Panama from Feb 5 – 11. At the conference, the delegation will urge attention from the Secretariat and the parties to the convention to reduce the depiction of tobacco and smoking scenes on OTT platforms, including Netflix series and Korean drama.
They will also emphasize the need for a joint response to the changing environment surrounding tobacco control. And that includes the increase in tobacco advertising and marketing through multinational media platforms and the release of new tobacco products.
Currently, national TV shows have been blurring smoking scenes. However, OTT platforms like Netflix show them openly, causing worry about their effect on teens.
For example, “Doona!” Korean drama was noted for its main character Suzy’s frequent smoking scenes. The government plans to highlight its efforts in tobacco control, such as creating more non-smoking areas near schools, setting guidelines to prevent smoking, passing laws for tobacco harm management, and reducing adult smoking rates.
Was It REALLY Necessary, Especially Among Graver Issues?
Responding to these limitation plans, global Korean drama fans answered with mixed reactions. Netizens are extremely curious why the South Korean government pays excessive attention to the display and use of cigarettes. At the same time, there are other issues equally concerning, including violence, drug use, and, most importantly, excessive alcohol drinking in Korean drama.
- “If we’re setting rules for showing smoking on screen, then we should also do the same for scenes with drinking and drug use.”
- “Why focus so much on smoking scenes when we see so much drinking and violence on screen every day? It’s odd. If they are off-limits, then let’s also limit scenes with a lot of drinking.”
- “They show really graphic stuff, like slicing open bellies and attacking people with axes, but cigarettes are where they draw the line?”
- “Drugs get a pass, but cigarettes don’t? That’s odd.”
- “K-dramas seem to never question the drinking culture.”
- “Nowadays, many scenes make drug use look fun; in comparison, smoking seems almost harmless.”
- “There’s endless alcohol advertising out there, yet cigarette ads are banned… Maybe they should start putting DUI warning images on alcohol bottles as they do with cigarette packs.”
- “I don’t use tobacco or alcohol, but I’m puzzled by how murder, fraud, sexual abuse, bullying, and domestic violence are all acceptable themes in shows and movies, yet cigarettes are the main worry. Alcohol is often linked to more sexual assaults than cigarettes. Maybe that should be banned, too?”
Finally, what do you think about this plan? Is it truly necessary to ban only smoking scenes among other graver issues? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
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Source: Herald Economy
