Following the unveiling of the first episodes of HBO's series "The Idol," a wave of negative reactions has swept across Korean online communities.
The series, scheduled for release on June 4, has BLACKPINK's Jennie in its cast lineup and is centered around the journey of an aspiring singer navigating the choppy waters of the music industry.
A Variety Tweet Sparks Controversy
American media outlet Variety recently shared a tweet reviewing the initial episodes of "The Idol," causing a surge in online outrage.
Revenge porn photos of bodily fluids on Lily Rose Depp’s face, masturbation with ice cubes, nightclub-owning scam artists and vile Hollywood sycophants populated the first two episodes of Sam Levinson's "The Idol." https://t.co/CbGnrTP3Cp
— Variety (@Variety) May 22, 2023
The tweet outlined a series of graphic scenes featured in the show that many found objectionable, including the involvement of "nightclub-owning scam artists," "vile Hollywood sycophants," and sexually explicit content.
Korean Netizens Express Outrage
This controversial tweet went viral in Korean online communities, prompting horror and disbelief among users. Many questioned how such explicit content could pass through the production stage and reach viewers.
Among these responses, several targeted Jennie's involvement, asking, "Is this the series that Jennie is featuring in?" and "Why would Jennie participate in such a series?"
Read also: SHINee Reveals 15th Anniv Individual Teasers, Includes Undisclosed Photos of Late Jonghyun
Others expressed disgust, with comments like "dirty," and "I feel nauseous."
Some shared that they felt misled as they understood the director had entirely altered the show's plotline, leading to accusations of the actors being "scammed."
Explicit Content Sparks Concerns
Details emerging from sources regarding the explicit content in the show have further intensified the controversy.
Episode 2 reportedly contains graphic sexual scenes involving actors The Weeknd and Lily. Comments on this episode pointed out that the director initially intended for these scenes to be longer.
Furthermore, the first episode reportedly includes a scene where Lily is forced to pose nude for an album cover, causing discomfort for viewers and provoking the intervention of an intimacy coordinator.
The episode ends with a violent and sexually explicit scene, adding to the controversy and discomfort surrounding the show.
Impacts on Perception of Associated Artists
This wave of backlash has extended to impact perceptions of the artists involved in the show.
Some netizens admitted they were finding it difficult to separate The Weeknd's music from the graphic scenes depicted in "The Idol," stating, "I can't act like I don't know anymore. This is so uncomfortable."
