Recent discussions surrounding the Blu-ray release of Queen of Tears have intensified due to controversies involving the late actress Kim Sae-ron and actor Kim Soo-hyun. These issues, particularly the allegations regarding an underage relationship, have drawn significant media attention, as reported by TV Report on March 18.
Blu-ray Pre-orders and Fan Reactions
Following the conclusion of the melodrama, a Blu-ray promotion cafe was launched by devoted fans. The much-anticipated Premium Edition Blu-ray of Queen of Tears, priced at 297,000 won, had pre-orders available in two phases last summer, spanning from July to August. However, in light of Kim Soo-hyun’s recent controversies, numerous requests to cancel these Blu-ray orders have surfaced on the cafe’s online platform.
Controversial Allegations Emerge
The controversy first gained traction when the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute (GaSeYeon) alleged that Kim Soo-hyun began dating Kim Sae-ron when she was just 15 years old, while he was already 27. Initially, Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, categorically denied these claims. However, their statement evolved on March 14, acknowledging that the two became involved only after Kim Sae-ron reached adulthood.
Fan Backlash and Calls for Cancellation
The situation has ignited outrage among fans, with many now vocally demanding the cancellation of the Blu-ray edition. Comments have flooded forums, with one fan stating:
“So can it be cancelled? This needs to be cancelled for human reasons,”said a user on theqoo.
Other fans expressed their discontent regarding the negative impact this scandal has had on the co-star Kim Ji-won, who they feel should not be tarnished by Kim Soo-hyun’s questionable behavior:
“Women always suffer because of men’s misbehavior,”a fan lamented on X.
“I feel bad for Jiwon. She carried this drama but the p*do was the one who got nominated for a Baeksang and got more awards. And now the drama is forever tainted because of him,”another remarked.
Consumer Sentiment on Social Media
The sentiment across social media platforms reveals a similar theme. Fans are increasingly vocal about their discomfort with Kim Soo-hyun’s presence in promotions related to Queen of Tears:
“Stop putting Ji-won’s face w/ this man I’m gonna vomit,”a netizen reacted on X.
“At this point scrap it, we don’t want to see his face and post him alone,”stated another fan.
The Success of Queen of Tears Amidst the Scandal
Despite the ongoing controversy, the melodrama, featuring Kim Ji-won as Hong Hae-in and Kim Soo-hyun as Baek Hyun-woo, experienced remarkable success. It followed the intricate love story of a married couple in their third year, winning viewer ratings and excitement from its audience.
According to TV Report, Queen of Tears held the top spot in viewer ratings and drama buzz for eight consecutive weeks, culminating in a finale that attracted a peak rating of 24.9% according to Nielsen Korea. Additionally, the series amassed a striking 29 million views and 682.6 million hours of watch time on Netflix within the first half of 2024, solidifying its position as the platform’s most-watched Korean drama during that time.
Furthermore, Queen of Tears ranks among Studio Dragon’s most profitable properties, while its original soundtrack (OST) quickly sold out due to high demand.