Korean Film “Exhuma” Faces Backlash from Chinese Viewers Over Cultural Depictions

Professor Seo Kyung Deok of Sungshin Women’s University addresses online criticism from China regarding the film “Exhuma.”

Despite exceeding 8 million viewers and securing sales and releases in 133 countries, including Mongolia, the South Korean film “Exhuma” has recently faced criticism from Chinese social media users.

A post on X (formerly Twitter) gained significant traction of approximately 6 million views for expressing disapproval towards a scene in “Exhuma,” where characters etch Chinese symbols on their faces.

The user argued that in Chinese culture, writing or etching on the face is considered highly disrespectful and humiliating. They further criticized the film’s portrayal of Chinese characters, stating that translating “cool Korean words” into Chinese resulted in nonsensical symbols.

Professor Seo Kyung Deok responded to the online criticism by acknowledging the growing global recognition of Korean dramas and movies. He further noted that this increased visibility might lead to misinterpretations or differing cultural perspectives, which could be misconstrued as negative sentiments.

Professor Seo further emphasized the importance of open communication and cultural exchange. He suggested that engaging in constructive dialogue can foster better understanding rather than resorting to unofficial means of consuming Korean content.

He pointed out instances where popular Korean dramas like “The Glory,” “Squid Game,” and “Extraordinary Attorney Woo” have faced challenges due to unauthorized access and illegal distribution methods in certain regions.

Highlighting issues like unauthorized use of intellectual property, copyright infringement in his response, Professor Seo emphasized the importance of respecting intellectual property rights and cultural content, advocating for a shift towards legitimate means of consuming and engaging with foreign media.

“Exhuma,” an occult film about a geomancer, mortician, and shamans who become entangled in bizarre occurrences after relocating a grave for a hefty sum, has captivated audiences. The film garnered an impressive 8 million viewers within 18 days of its release, sparking anticipation as it eyes the coveted 10 million viewer mark.