“Those People Were 1 in a 100” – Nam Yoon-su Responds to Homophobic Comments Amid Backlash and Protests for Love in the Big City
During a press conference on October 16, 2024, for the TVING drama Love in the Big City, actor Nam Yoon-su responded to the criticism regarding the series’ LGBTQIA+ themes. Nam, who portrays the protagonist Go Young, openly addressed the negative feedback he faced for taking on a gay character, but he showed resilience in the face of this backlash.
“I didn’t pay them any mind. I just laughed off the malicious remarks,”Nam elucidated. “Such people represented a minuscule fraction. I received a plethora of supportive messages instead.”
After sharing the trailer on his Instagram, Nam encountered both negative criticism and supportive comments.
Despite this, anticipation for the drama was high, especially with the casting of Jin Ho Eun and Nam Yoon Su as Kyu Ho and Go Young, respectively. As a new addition to the BL (Boy Love) K-drama genre, it stirred considerable excitement online, particularly among the LGBTQIA+ audience.
Nam Yoon Su’s choice to embrace an LGBTQIA+ role emphasized his commitment to promoting diverse representation and was met with significant appreciation.
Nam Yoon-su speaks out on controversy at Love in the Big City press event
The press conference for TVING’s Love in the Big City took place at CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall in Seoul on October 16, 2024. Nam Yoon-su, alongside fellow actors Oh Hyun-kyung, Kwon Hyuk, Na Hyun-woo, Jin Ho-eun, and Kim Won-joong, participated in the event discussing their respective roles and the filming process.
While discussing his character Go Young, whose romantic journey spans his 20s to 30s, Nam revealed he felt no pressure in undertaking the role.
“I didn’t experience any pressure or doubt while watching Love in the Big City,” he noted. “I felt secure since I was familiar with the source material, which exhibited exceptional quality and artistry.”
Nam also expressed his trust in the directing team, stating:
“I was confident in the directors due to their unique directing skills and style.”He further added, “I selected this project because I wanted to showcase the acting I aspire to do and can excel in.”
The conference also featured writer Park Sang-young, who adapted his acclaimed novel for the series. Directors Heo Jin-ho, Hong Ji-young, Son Tae-gyeom, and Kim Se-in were in attendance, with each directing portions of the eight-episode series.
Love in the Big City is based on Park Sang Young’s novel, detailing Go Yeong’s deep love for Gyu Ho, followed by his difficult choice to let him go.
After Gyu Ho’s departure, Go Yeong embarks on an impromptu journey to Thailand with a stranger, which leads him to reflect on his memories and personal growth. The narrative delves into themes of love, denial, and self-discovery.
The show features Nam Yoon-su as Go Yeong and Jin Ho-eun as Gyu Ho, flanked by supporting performances from Lee Soo-kyung, Lee Se-he, Oh Hyun-kyung, and Kwon Hyuk.
Religious group protests Love in the Big City, prompting trailer removal and backlash from fans
On October 14, 2024, news surfaced of protests by a religious group against the K-drama Love in the Big City, citing its portrayal of a same-sex love story as controversial. The group rallied in Seoul, urging the South Korean Ministry of Tourism, Sports, and Culture to cancel the show’s release and cease funding “controversial”projects with taxpayer money.
The group also targeted CJeS, accusing the production company of promoting a show that “glorifies and supports homosexuality”and demanded its cancellation.
In response to the uproar, writer Park Sang-young announced that the trailers had been removed and promotional activities suspended by TVING due to the backlash.
This decision, instigated by complaints from the protesting religious group, incited frustration among fans. Many took to social media to voice their discontent and concerns about the undue interference with the drama’s release.
Love in the Big City is scheduled to premiere on TVING on October 21, 2024.
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