The upcoming Korean film PROJECT Y has been officially invited to premiere at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), but rather than being celebrated, it’s already mired in controversy. The film stars Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo—two of Korea’s most talked-about actresses—but not entirely for the right reasons.
What is PROJECT Y About?
PROJECT Y is an R-rated crime drama set in the underground world of Gangnam. The film follows two women, portrayed by Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo, who work in the adult entertainment industry. Desperate to escape their grim reality, they devise a risky plan to steal 8 billion KRW in smuggled gold.
Though the noir concept and themes of desperation and survival may appeal to international audiences, many Korean netizens are calling the plot unoriginal and unnecessarily provocative. The use of the term hwa-ryu-gye women—a euphemism in Korean culture for sex workers—has drawn particular criticism, with many accusing the film of glamorizing or trivializing a sensitive subject.
Han So-hee & Jeon Jong-seo: A Risky Casting Choice?
Much of the backlash stems from the casting of Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo, both of whom are currently facing public scrutiny.
Han So-hee has been at the center of a media storm due to a high-profile relationship controversy involving Ryu Jun-yeol and Hyeri. While the full story remains murky, her frequent online spats with critics have caused her reputation to suffer.
Jeon Jong-seo has also faced heavy criticism, with a string of past allegations including school bullying, unfiltered behavior on social media, and reports of rude conduct toward the press. These incidents have made her one of the more polarizing figures in the Korean entertainment industry.
With both actresses frequently labeled as “problematic,” their collaboration in a bold, adult-themed film has led many to question the project’s timing and intent.
Online Reactions: “This Is Why Korean Cinema Is Declining”
Netizens have not held back their opinions, with comment sections flooded by disapproving voices:
- Why are we still making movies about sex workers and gangsters?
- This concept has been done to death.
- Vote to ban this movie.
- Are women only interesting if they suffer or sell their bodies?
Some users even argue that the film promotes a distorted and damaging image of women, calling for its release to be canceled entirely.
Despite the controversy, a small segment of viewers is defending the film, pointing out that the gritty characters align with the edgy personas and acting strengths of Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo. The film’s TIFF invitation also hints at potential artistic value, suggesting that PROJECT Y could be more than just shock value.
Still, the backlash in Korea shows no signs of slowing down, raising serious questions about the line between bold storytelling and public accountability in today’s cinematic landscape.
K14
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