Disney+'s 'Polaris' Faces Controversy Despite Global Chart Success; Will Actor Scandals Derail Hit Series?

Disney+'s original series 'Polaris' is rewriting the history of Korean original content, captivating global audiences upon its release and soaring to international success. However, the series finds itself in a precarious position as lead actors Jun Ji-hyun and Kang Dong-won are entangled in unexpected controversies, sparking concerns about the show's continued momentum.

Launched on the 10th, 'Polaris' quickly secured the title of the most-watched Korean original series on Disney+ in the Asia-Pacific region and globally, based on its first five days of release, proving the potent appeal of a well-crafted espionage melodrama.

Key to its initial buzz was the first-time collaboration between stars Jun Ji-hyun and Kang Dong-won, alongside the directorial prowess of Kim Hee-won and Heo Myung-haeng. The series garnered attention for its profound narrative, thrilling action sequences, and political intrigue that deeply engaged viewers worldwide.

However, this upward trajectory was met with turbulence. A scene featuring Jun Ji-hyun asking, "Why does China prefer war? A nuclear bomb could fall on the border area," circulated rapidly on Chinese online platforms, igniting fierce backlash. Chinese netizens took issue with filming locations set in Dalian, a five-star carpet motif, and dialogue spoken by a villain in Chinese, accusing the show of distorting China's image. Further complicating matters, pronunciation-related criticism against Jun Ji-hyun has emerged, leading some advertisers to halt online content in China, thus amplifying the ripple effects.

Meanwhile, co-star Kang Dong-won also faced scrutiny. It was revealed that his one-person agency, 'AA Group,' had been operating without the necessary registration as a cultural and artistic planning business. While Kang's side clarified that they recognized the issue and were proceeding with the registration, the public reaction has turned cold, especially following similar unregistered agency controversies involving Sung Si-kyung and Oak Ju-hyun.

Thus, 'Polaris' stands at a crossroads, with the dramatic success of the series now shadowed by personal controversies surrounding its lead actors. Public opinion is divided: some argue for separating the art from the artist, stating, "The work should be judged on its own merits" and "personal issues shouldn't affect its success." Others contend, "Cultural sensitivities with China should have been considered," and "Neglecting legal obligations is a clear problem."

Despite the accolades for its quality as a global project and its firm grip on the number one spot, 'Polaris' now faces an uncertain future. All eyes are on whether the ongoing controversies surrounding its lead actors will ultimately impact the show's continued viewership growth.

Jun Ji-hyun has solidified her status as a Hallyu icon through numerous hit dramas like 'My Love from the Star' and 'The Legend of the Blue Sea'. Her unique elegance and stable acting skills have garnered a wide fanbase not only in Korea but also internationally. Her new role in 'Polaris' is seen as another step in expanding her acting spectrum.