Jun Ji-hyun Faces Controversy Over 'North Star' Dialogue; Agency Denies Chinese Ad Cancellations

Actress Jun Ji-hyun is navigating a difficult situation following backlash over a line in the Disney+ series 'North Star' (literal title: Bugeukseong). Some Chinese netizens have accused the dialogue of presenting a distorted view of China, sparking calls for a boycott. Reports claiming cancellations of her Chinese advertisements have surfaced, but her agency has strongly refuted these claims.

Jun Ji-hyun is currently starring as the female lead, Seo Mun-ju, a UN ambassador with international renown, in the espionage melodrama 'North Star'. The series follows her as she chases the mastermind behind an assassination attempt on the presidential candidate, alongside a mysterious special agent, uncovering a vast conspiracy threatening the Korean Peninsula.

Previously, Jun Ji-hyun garnered immense popularity among Chinese fans with dramas like 'My Love from the Star' and 'The Legend of the Blue Sea'. Consequently, 'North Star', featuring her, had already captured significant attention from her Chinese fanbase.

The controversy centers on a line spoken by Seo Mun-ju: "Why does China prefer war? A nuclear bomb could fall on the border areas." This statement has incited anger among a segment of Chinese netizens who perceive it as misrepresenting their country.

Her agency has officially stated that the reports of ad cancellations are baseless. They clarified that while some scheduled events and ad shoots have been postponed, this was decided before the series' release due to local circumstances and is unrelated to the current controversy. Disney+ has yet to issue a statement regarding the specific scene or potential modifications.

Jun Ji-hyun debuted as a model in 1997 and gained widespread fame with the romantic comedy film 'My Sassy Girl' in 2001. She has consistently chosen diverse roles, solidifying her status as a top actress in Korea and Asia. Her elegant and sophisticated image has made her a sought-after endorser for numerous luxury brands.