“The Escape of the Seven”, a new Korean drama by “The Penthouse” writer Kim Soon Ok and director Joo Dong Min, has achieved a #1 nationwide rating for its premiere. Unfortunately, despite its promising start, the new Korean drama must face severe controversy. So, what happened to “The Escape of the Seven” and what caused the controversy in the new masterpiece of “The Penthouse” writer? Dive into the following comprehensive report for the complete story.
*THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS SPOILERS AND MENTIONS OF VIOLENCE ABUSE THAT MAY BE DISTURBING FOR SOME READERS. PLEASE PROCEED WITH CAUTION.*
“The Escape of the Seven” Premieres at #1 Nationwide Ratings
“The Penthouse” writer’s new Korean drama masterpiece, “The Escape of the Seven”, has gained immediate popularity after the premiere broadcast. Since the first announcement of the new Korean drama, fans have been expecting something spectacular from the legendary writer behind renowned makjang dramas, including “The Last Empress” and “The Penthouse” series.
On September 15, “The Escape of the Seven” premiered its first episode on SBS, depicting the tragic story of a world where villains become the main characters who stop at nothing to succeed.
Once again, the new Korean drama presented a powerful synergy between prominent writer Kim Soon Ok and director Joo Dong Min, who previously worked together in “The Penthouse” series. Featuring top South Korean actors Hwang Jung Eum, Uhm Ki Joon, Lee Joon, Lee Yoo Bi, Shin Eun Kyung, Yoon Jong Hoon, Jo Yoon Hee, and Jo Jae Yoon, “The Escape of the Seven” immediately captivated viewers with an overwhelming sense of immersion.
Welcoming the return of “The Penthouse” writer with her formidable nickname “Queen Soon Ok”, “The Escape of the Seven” managed to achieve a nationwide viewership rating of 6%, with a peak of 6.8%. It means that the new Korean drama has taken the #1 place in the viewership ratings for the time slot across all channels.
Unfortunately, despite its successful premiere, “The Escape of the Seven” drama must face severe backlash and controversy. The promising start of this new drama must encounter a slight setback due to the protests and negative responses from Korean viewers.
The Severe Controversy Surrounding “The Escape of the Seven” New Korean Drama by “The Penthouse” Writer
The new masterpiece of “The Penthouse” writer Kim Soon Ok depicts the story behind the disappearance of a young girl. As the villains in “The Escape of the Seven” new Korean drama shamelessly lie their way to escape their crime, the truth begins to unveil the mystery behind the girl’s disappearance dramatically.
The story starts with its main subject, a young girl named Bang Da Mi, played by Jung Ra El. Her life turns upside down after her estranged mother (Hwang Jung Eum) returns to her life only to use her as a means to acquire the grandfather’s inheritance.
During its premiere broadcast, “The Escape of the Seven” new Korean drama already presented every dramatic turnover possible in a makjang drama. And it caused the series to gain mixed responses and severe controversy, especially from Korean netizens.
Unrealistic Teenage Pregnancy and Labor
The first controversy was about how “The Escape of the Seven” portrayed teenage pregnancy.
In “The Escape of the Seven”, young girl Bang Da Mi befriends the main character Han Mo Ne (Lee Yoo Bi). She is an idol trainee and a delinquent ‘queen bee’ student who pretends to be Da Mi’s friend only to use her as a look-alike shadow.
During the first episode, a scene in “The Escape of the Seven” showed Han Mo Ne suddenly giving birth to a baby in the school’s art room. She then gave the baby to Bang Da Mi and framed her for being the person who slept with a man in a hotel, turning her into the mother of the baby.
Bang Da Mi’s life went horribly wrong after the issue blew up. Everyone labeled her with something she did not do. And no matter how much she resisted and fought back, it was all useless.
The scene caused mixed reactions from Korean netizens. Although the story unfolded so unexpectedly that viewers can never take their eyes off the story, the issues depicted in it were considered too extreme.
Additionally, the series lacked details, including Mo Ne’s giving birth scene.
Korean viewers even joked that the labor scene was just hilarious because Mo Ne seemed that she did not experience labor pain. Instead, the scene only showed her touching her belly. And the camera movement gave off some vibes as if the character was rushing to the bathroom because she couldn’t hold the need to relieve herself.
Unnecessary Child Violence
Yet what was most concerning about “The Escape of the Seven” was the child abuse the new Korean drama portrayed. Not only that, but the violent scene showed in the series was done by the estranged mother (Hwang Jung Eum) towards her daughter, Bang Da Mi.
The previous scene where Mo Ne gave her baby to Da Mi caused her to be late to the plans with her mother and grandfather.
In a heavy rainstorm, Bang Da Mi rushed home only to find her mother waiting at the door. Then, viewers were immediately outraged after seeing the mother suddenly punch Da Mi to the ground.
Although it was part of showing how horrible the mother is, viewers believe such extreme violence was too much and unnecessary. Not only that, but it was also the girl’s birth mother who did it.
Was it a Characteristic or Issue of Writer Kim Soon Ok’s Projects?
Ultimately, viewers begin to discuss whether such extreme and controversial stories have been a characteristic or issue of writer Kim Soon Ok.
The writer behind “The Escape of the Seven” and “The Penthouse” series, Kim Soon Ok, is famous for her highly provocative and controversial writing. However, these controversial topics and masterpieces have elevated her scandalous writer status and resulted in massive attention to her projects.
That’s why it brings to the question whether these controversial details and scenes happening in her series become issues or simply overall characteristics of her projects.
So, what are your thoughts on the issues in “The Escape of the Seven” new Korean drama? Was “The Penthouse” writer really overdoing it this time? Please share your thoughts in the comments. And stay with Kpoppost’s Instagram, Threads, Facebook, Twitter, and Telegram channel for more updates.
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