So Ji Sub's 'Manager Kim' Role Sparks Ilbe Controversy

The SBS drama "Chief Detective 1958," starring Lee Je-hoon, is performing well, nearing a viewership rating of 20%. However, past "Ilbe suspicions" related to the production company of the original webtoon have resurfaced, causing controversy. The drama "Chief Detective 1958" tells the story of an ordinary father who transforms into a dangerous man to retrieve his daughter, and it is based on a webtoon of the same name.

At the center of the controversy is Park Tae-joon, the author and representative of The Grin Entertainment, the production company of the webtoon "Chief Detective 1958." Allegations have been raised that expressions reminiscent of the late former President Roh Moo-hyun's death date (May 23rd) and death location (Buiam Rock) were used in his past webtoon "Lookism." Specifically, a scene where the protagonist checks a stopwatch and mentions "5 minutes and 23 seconds," and a sign behind a speech bubble reading "Rock Owling" were pointed out as problematic. Furthermore, in 2015, there were suspicions that a scene depicting gangsters eating was a caricature of former President Roh, and in 2021, it was pointed out that expressions mocking former President Moon Jae-in were used in the webtoon "Desire Diary."

Park Tae-joon has previously vehemently denied these allegations, stating, "It's absurd," and "I am not the kind of person who would do such a thing with the deceased's photo, nor do I have the courage." However, with recent discussions on YouTube channels like "Mullae-dong Next to Yeouido," opinions raising suspicions are emerging, such as "Creators don't just put these things in without reason."

While the drama "Chief Detective 1958" was not directly illustrated by Park Tae-joon, it is the fifth work in the 'Park Tae-joon Universe,' which he executive produced, and thus it is pointed out that the drama cannot be completely free from controversy. The story of "Chief Detective 1958" was handled by Toy and Namja-i-ya-gi, and the illustrations by Jung Jong-taek, with Park Tae-joon listed as executive producer. The drama has achieved high viewership ratings, surpassing 18.8% within just three episodes, making it the highest-rated SBS drama aired this year.