On December 31, tvN uploaded a special montage on its official YouTube channel celebrating two decades of hit K-dramas. The video featured clips from some of the network’s most iconic series, including Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, My Mister, Reply 1997, Hotel Del Luna, Lovely Runner, and Bon Appetit, Your Majesty, among others.
While some viewers debated which additional dramas deserved inclusion, the strongest reaction centered on one glaring omission: Queen of Tears.
Despite being tvN’s highest-rated drama to date, Queen of Tears was completely excluded from the anniversary video. Many fans speculated that the decision was influenced by the controversies surrounding lead actor Kim Soo Hyun, sparking widespread criticism across online communities.
A large portion of the backlash focused on actress Kim Ji Won, who was widely praised for her performance as Hong Hae In a cold yet emotionally complex chaebol heiress. Fans argued that erasing the drama entirely was unfair to her and other cast members who contributed significantly to the show’s success.
Some netizens described the omission as disrespectful, stating that ignoring the drama effectively dismissed Kim Ji Won’s critically acclaimed performance and years of hard work.
On the other hand, many viewers defended tvN’s decision. They argued that the responsibility lay with Kim Soo Hyun, whose actions had inevitably impacted the drama’s legacy. From this perspective, excluding Queen of Tears was seen as a necessary step, with some even welcoming the move.
Others proposed a middle ground, suggesting that tvN could have included scenes featuring only Kim Ji Won to acknowledge her contribution without highlighting controversy-linked individuals.
As opinions remain divided, a common sentiment has emerged among netizens: that the fallout ultimately affected not just one actor, but the entire cast and crew. Many believe that Kim Ji Won and other actors were forced to bear the consequences of actions unrelated to their performances, reigniting debate over accountability and fairness in the entertainment industry.
The controversy has since turned tvN’s celebratory milestone into a heated discussion one that reflects the complex intersection of art, scandal, and public perception in K-drama culture.
Sources: Koreaboo,YouTube,tvN
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