Vietnam War Veterans Treated as Heroes, “Touching a Painful Wound”
‘[Herald Economy=Jisook Han] Calls to boycott Netflix’s original ‘Squid Game’ Season 2, which currently ranks number one in worldwide viewership, have emerged in Vietnam.’
‘According to the Vietnamese media outlet Tuoi Tre Online on the 6th, it reported on December 27 (local time) that Vietnamese authorities are set to officially announce a review of ‘Squid Game 2′.’
‘An official stated, “We are aware of the controversy surrounding ‘Squid Game’ Season 2 and are reviewing its content according to the film law. The results will be announced soon.”‘
‘Upon the release of ‘Squid Game’ Season 2, Vietnamese social media (SNS) saw thousands of critical comments from netizens.’
‘The controversial scene is in episode 5 of Season 2, where actor Kang Ha-neul’s character ‘Dae-ho’, a glass marble game expert numbered ‘388’, reveals his past military service in the Marine Corps.’
‘In the drama, his Marine Corps senior ‘Jung-bae’ (Lee Su-hwan) comments, “Did your family send their only son to the Marines? That precious son,” to which Dae-ho responds, “My father sent me to make me more manly. He was a Vietnam War veteran.” Jung-bae then replies, “Your father is admirable.”‘
‘Vietnamese netizens have reacted sharply, saying it was a “line that justifies the Vietnam War,” “touches a painful wound of Vietnam,” “we will boycott ‘Squid Game 2’,” “Vietnam has never been positively portrayed in Korean movies,” and “we won’t watch it from now on.”‘
‘Conversely, some reactions noted, “It can’t be seen as glorifying the Vietnam War,” and “It was just a lack of consideration.”‘
‘The media reports that a boycott of ‘Squid Game 2′ seems to be already underway in Vietnam.’
‘The Vietnam War was fought from 1955 to 1975 for 20 years as Vietnam sought independence and unification against the United States. At the time, South Korea sent 320,000 troops upon the request of the U.S.’