"Did they mock Arab and Middle Eastern cultures?"

MBC-TV's "Let's Go to the Moon" (written by Na Yoon-chae, directed by Oh Da-young and Jung Hoon) has become embroiled in a controversy over racism following the release of a teaser video.

The producers of "Let's Go to the Moon" stated on the 21st, "The (problematic) teaser was created by parodying an ice cream advertisement, inspired by the drama's story set in a confectionery company." It was clarified that there was no specific intention behind it, as the idea was derived from a popular advertisement from the 1980s. They acknowledged, "There were parts where we failed to consider the perspectives of other cultures."

They have decided to accept the criticism from international audiences and have removed the teaser videos from platforms like YouTube. The production team promised, "We will exercise caution to ensure there is no discomfort."

The video was released on the 20th. Actors Lee Sun-bin, Ra Mi-ran, and Jo Ara donned Arabian-style costumes and performed a comedic dance. Kim Young-dae also adopted a twisted posture while wearing a turban.

Negative reactions poured in, mainly on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Many expressed discomfort over the mixed representation of Arab and Middle Eastern cultures.

The production team of "Let's Go to the Moon" decided to delete the video just half a day after its initial release. Given the high international interest in K-dramas, they quickly responded to this sensitive issue.

Meanwhile, "Let's Go to the Moon" is a hyper-realistic survival story about women from humble beginnings venturing into coin investment. It is set to premiere on the 19th of next month.

<Photo= MBC>