Joseon Exorcist (2021)

the biggest WHAT IF

I'm editing this to add: if something is wrong it's better to fix it and show the right thing instead of burying it and everyone involved in criticism. make them be a lesson for the rest. past bullying? let them do community work or a movement against school bullying. "inaccurate" history? force them to show a documentary at the end explaining how things really were. you don't fight a problem by cancelling everyone.... the only thing people will learn from this? don't waste your money and time at making historicals..

I'll just use this space to vent a little more. as a fan of JDY I've been waiting for this since last year. and as a historical fan who's bored of the repetitive palace politics, this was going to be one of the most unique stories. Kingdom explored zombies but this was bigger and had more characters. this combined vampires, zombies and demons. it sounds overboard but the combination was so fitting. they bit people in the neck and they were as brainless and lost as zombies, but they were evil spirits controlled by the biggest demon
this was going to be so much fun!

JDY was Sejong the Great ! I did not know that TT_TT no wonder why he was such a sweetie, honestly if they wanted great representation of the past they had the bestest boy to play their bestest beloved king TT_TT


the biggest mistake on this was the timing and the fact that historicals don't seem to check facts beforehand.. every historical right now is under some sort of fire but this got the biggest blow...

and even if they let the dramas air, they turn their pitchforks onto the actors.. the issue seems so easily avoidable, there needs to be a big historic association so people can check their facts


like we all knew this would be about king Taejong from the start, so like they (whoever they are) could've showed their stance before. if they didn't want a historical figure to be showed as a person who kills possessed people then they shouldn't have let them film it!

it'd have been easily avoided by naming them differently. and they didn't even let them change that. they just attacked this until the canceled 14eps worth of hard work. the actors got injured... we'll never know how they'd have dealt with the process, but the promise of the plot was unique and it will forever be the biggest WHAT IF TT__TT

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This drama had a potential to be good but it was a shame that it ended up being cancelled prematurely. Just when I thought I'd be able to see another drama where Jang Dongyoon playing another prince role.

From the setting of some kind of a demon possession being the reason for the existence of undead people, this drama could have been a fresh take on the zombie genre. Well, since the drama had been permanently taken off-air we would never know how the drama plot could have unfold.

Casting-wise and writing-wise, if one could try to judge from the initial two episode, it does appear that there's a lot of care and detail done to get people to become interested in the drama plot. For one, this is an interesting take on King Taejong as compared to quite a number of dramas that did feature him in the past and there was a lot to be curious about regarding the troupe that ended up coming in contact with the third prince as well as the mystery surrounding this Azazel entity. And drama already was dealing with a situation of dead people coming to life in ancient Joseon. THAT itself was already a fictional setting... so I don't really get to uproar over the 'historical inaccuracies' especially when there are ALOT of other sageuk dramas that already made various interpretations of historical figures that may or may not be accurate anyway. As in there are plenty of sageuk dramas that depicted the same historical figures as BOTH evil and good on different dramas to fit a certain narrative so why now only that people making such a fuss about this for Joseon Exorcist? Why don't they do that for the other sageuk dramas that do this? It's ridiculous, to be honest!

Regardless, even if the writing of the drama was really problematic, considering the drama only just started there shouldn't be much problem to just ask the writer to make adjustments/rewrites to their writing and refilm the rest of the drama. If other productions can do that like with Delayed Justice and River where the Moon Rises where they paused airing and recast and refilm the scenes to remove appearances of problematic actors, the same should be possible for this drama. Banning this drama without allowing the production to make amendments to the drama to fix the problematic scenes/plot was an overreaction. What about all the works that has already been poured into this and Jang Dongyoon even got hurt! It was unfair to everyone who have worked so hard to make this drama only to have almost the entirety of the production scrapped.

While it was understandable that everyone would be wary about how some chinese people trying to claim certain aspects from kdramas as theirs, I hope people wouldn't be too rash in trying to cancel everything recklessly.

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Inappropriately targeted and cancelled

What a promising horror fantasy set in the time of the Joseon Dynasty, with characters that were a mix of actual and fictional.
The story was pure fiction, with corpses rising from the dead, with a thirst for blood and the very life force of people. Controlled by a demon spirit somehow connected to the King and his father before him.
It was gripping and with sarcasm and light humour added to counterbalance the horror and gore... there was plenty of the latter, so not for those who dislike horror and blood.
I was gutted that this well made series was cancelled after only 2 episodes, due to props in a really short scene and then, criminally, because it distorted history and misrepresented the characters who actually lived... even though it was a work of fiction and fantasy. I honestly cannot believe it. One could not make this scenario up.
We will never know what else this story was going to offer.
The misplaced reasons given by an extremist group of citizens was totally OTT in this particular instance.
I cannot believe they were listened and pandered to, especially when it was explained the props used were actually in line with the time and area the characters were in. So, only the historical aspects they choose should be accurate, it seems, even in a fantasy.
A crying shame.

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Fiction vs. Actual Events

Let me just start by saying I am very hurt that this promising drama never was. No disrespect intended, and I am sure there is a cultural difference at play here, but this drama wasn’t intended to be a documentary; I can understand the reaction if it were. It was never going to be accurate. A work of fiction never is; I mean, are they saying evil spirits/vampire-like living corpses were running around in the Joseon dynasty; is that the accurate part; I mean, come on; it feels a bit much to petition to the Blue House to cancel a show, a fictional one might I add. I'm dumbfounded. How come these very same viewers never reacted the same way to the overt abuse, be it emotional, physical, or sexual, and the vileness in some of the dramas; I am sure it depicts real-life scenarios around the country. I am not complaining but those acts depicted in the dramas I use this as an example. Come to think of it, were there any shows canceled because of that; I wonder. Very sad indeed at many different levels but on a personal one the most. I was so into this drama. I am going to need a very, very long minute to process this for sure!

A friend here on MDL commented, "Ben Affleck’s Argo was akin to fiction when he made the heroes who rescued American hostages in Tehran the CIA operatives, rather than the actual Canadian Embassy diplomats and staff. He managed to tick off Britain, Iran, and of course, Canada in the process. There were no cries to have the film removed from screens everywhere. People stayed away in droves, thereby lessening box office results. That’s how you deal with this type of issue- hit them in the pocketbook. There’s no need to curtail other’s viewing of the film, flaws and all".
And I completely agreed and added that even as Argo was criticized for its inaccuracy, it was praised for the acting, directing, and editing. The film received seven nominations at the 85th Academy Awards and won three for Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Film Editing. So, yes, criticize all you want but demanding the show be canceled, a fictional one that never claimed to be based on actual events, that is at a completely different level. It's akin to censorship, if you ask me. What kind of message does this send not just to writers and filmmakers in Korea but to the world, especially as SK starts garnering the international attention it so clearly deserves in filmmaking and acting.

The more I think of this situation's unfairness, the harder it gets to accept the decision to cancel the show. I've come across a couple of petitions on MDL, and I would very much love to see Netflix pick up this drama, so I include it here for those of similar mind. Sign this petition to save Joseon Exorcist http://chng.it/vn2XTNLdwB
#SaveJoseonExorcist

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Such a great drama! So upset that it got cancelled. There's a petition to bring it to Netflix. http://chng.it/XrQthZYZSP

Great production with such a good cast. It has fantastic acting and a very interesting story with an different take on the whole Zombie genre. This new drama was so promising and I had been looking forward to watching the entire drama ever since the teaser got released. So disappointed that it got cancelled due to bullying from Nationalistic fanatics who can't see the difference between fact and fiction. I hope all the fans can show their support for the production crew and anti-bullying by signing the petition: http://chng.it/XrQthZYZSP

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Controversial = Historical Inaccuracy ...

I love historicals especially ones dealing with horror or the paranormal, and in just two episodes I could see what could’ve been a great drama experience, but like many other dramas, controversy ruined a possible solid 32-episode storyline and overall viewing experience, all because props were in the wrong place at the wrong time.
(also because low key ... IMO, the prop department didn’t realize China is a sensitive topic in SK rn, so whoever thought putting Chinese props in a South Korean show was a good idea, especially RIGHT NOW, here’s what happens ...)

A lot of people were comparing this show to “Kingdom” which I didn’t see too many similarities tbh, people were comparing the “zombie demons” I guess, but that was about it, the story had a more demonic approach to it, and at one point I saw a pentagram which lead me to believe some demonic elements would’ve been explored, or some wiccan elements, but like I said above, we likely will never find out :/

The acting performances were pretty solid, but my god, did the action feel fabricated lmao, characters waited around to do sh—, the choreography was not there because well, it wasn’t there ... lol.

Cinematography was FIREEEEE, oof, it was great, and overall production was solid, it’s a shame we’ll never get to see what this show had to offer because of knetz (I mean they sent a damn petition to the Blue House so ...) but I can’t help but feel sad to all those who worked on the show just the production in general. In the future I hope companies realize canceling shows is not the answer, and that hard work should not go to waste. I hope in the future of kdramas, there won’t be problematic scenes which can stir inaccuracy or controversy either, and that shows can be broadcasted on other streaming sites, in case of a financial loss.

To the cast and crew: you did damn good for the two episodes we got :’)

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What a waste potential

Great casting and promising storyline which we will never know how the ending is. After the controversy, it's so sad that the production team didn't get the chance to correct what went wrong. Instead, the sponsorships just pull out from contract and the location where they filmed it banned them to shooting. I believe they try to correct the mistake, but they got death sentences with the worsen situation. I'm really looking forward to this drama from last year, because of Park Sung Hoon, so i'm so sad it turns out like this. Just hope that the backlash can be stop now. No need to drag down the actors, they just doing their job following the script. So knetz, are you happy now? Finally happy now, are you?

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Potencial desperdiçado

Desde do ano passado quando ouvi falar sobre ele, estava animada com o fato de ter um estilo similar a The Guest e Priest, sem contar que achei bem diferente essa mistura de zumbi, vampiro e possessão.

Porém aconteceu algo que não tinha visto em meus oito anos vendo dorama, o cancelamento, mais ainda com apenas dois episódios. Surgiu uma polêmica na Coreia por adicionar coisas chinesas e o uso de figuras históricas, como se isso fosse novidade, até apelaram dizendo que os estrangeiros pensariam ser real, claro, super normal zumbis andando por aí.

No começo disseram que por isso seria suspenso por alguns dias para alterações, mas acabou cancelado. Isso é uma pena, ele tinha tanto potencial. Lembro bem da notícia de que Jang Dong Yoon tinha machucado o braço nas filmagens e como tinham medo de que ele não pudesse voltar a filmar.

Ainda tenho esperanças que de alguma forma continue em um futuro próximo, quem sabe.

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Joseon Ex-Exorcist

I noticed it started and ended without accomplishing anything, it just went over a singular small event that wouldn't even fit a movie format. Then I realized it was a drama that was cancelled. Regardless of the cancellation, I didn't see anything appealing or interesting in these two 70-min episodes. These possessed creatures were your generic screechy zombies with no life in them, no pun intended. The drama didn't provide a good introduction to set up the story or a good introduction to establish the characters in these two episodes, which should have been an enough duration to do both things easily. It got cancelled but at least the cast got paid.

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Story: It's a unique story never been done before. The plot is what made me interested to watch. I've said it multiple times that JE is the lovechild between The Guest and Kingdom and the 2 episodes proved that. If they keep the initial prompt and change all the controversial plotlines, this drama could've been a hit.

Acting/cast: The cast are exceptional. 10/10. They nailed every role. My favorites are Kam Woo-sung (King Taejong) and Moon Woo-jin (Prince Kangnyeong). Seriously I need to applause Moon Woo-jin. His potential is there and he'll grow up to be an amazing actor. Jung Hye-sung (Moo-hwa) also did a good job but because of the little amount of screen time I didn't get to see more of her. So sad. She could've been my girl next crush.

Music: Exactly the suspenseful music needed for thriller dramas. Aside from the issue that it's made with Chinese instruments of course.

Re-watch value: Well what is there to re-watch when there are only 2 episodes lmao. They are yet to give us the rewatchable contents. I really don't want to re-watch the massacre scene.

Overall: With a refreshing story idea and great acting, sadly Joseon Exorcist needs to come to an end because of the producers and writers' insensitivity and lack of common sense. With only 2 episodes aired, audiences are left with many unanswered questions and unspeakable disappointment.

The issue could've been solved easily if the production team did a better job at conducting research and think straightly. I don't understand how they can let so many controversies in ONE drama by accident, but it's a lesson for future dramas not to take the same route.

It is so sad to let this drama go. Thank you JE cast and crews for your hard work! It will be paid off in the future.

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Historical Inaccuracy?

As I do have some experience in history, being a history buff myself, I could understand if historical inaccuracy throws someone off from watching something based around a historical setting. But this is a South Korean drama with an interesting take on ZOMBIES, for Pete's sake. It's not a reenactment of actual historical events. Don't Kdramas have that disclaimer in the beginning saying that places, characters, events, companies and such in the drama are all fictional?

If something like that is justifiable killing off the entire drama, then something like Mr. Sunshine could've been canceled. It was in a historical setting, and had its own myriad of historical inaccuracies. The firearms were a good example. The rifle shown to be used by the US Marines was the Lee-Enfield No.4. This is historically inaccurate in several ways; it was never used by the US military, and only came into being in 1941. The Mosin-Nagant sniper rifle that Lee Byung Hun used didn't exist until the late 1930s! But who cares? It's not the point of the drama! Why should something like that kill it off?

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