Korean television screens continuously feature bold, hot scenes broadcast during prime time, causing a stir in public opinion and sparking debate about their suitability for audiences.
Although only the first 2 episodes have been aired, Buried hearts belong to Park Hyung Sik quickly faced a wave of fierce criticism from the audience. The reason came from the fact that the film had many kissing scenes, especially bold bed scenes right from episode 1.
This is not the first time a Korean film has been embroiled in controversy over hot scenes. In 2024 and early 2025 alone, there were 4 films that made viewers "burn their eyes" because of 19+ segments, including Queen Woo, The queen who crowns, When the stars gossip and Buried hearts .
Overeating hot scenes in Korean movies
Buried hearts broadcast on SBS, one of the major stations in South Korea. The film attracted a large number of viewers in the first episode when it reached a rating of 6.1% - an impressive viewership rate, promising an explosive future.
Buried hearts labeled 15+ but in reality episode 1 is filled with 18+ scenes that make viewers blush.
In addition to the passionate kisses between Seo Dong Joo (Park Hyung Sik) and Yeo Eun Nam (Hong Hwa Yeon), the film includes explicit bed scenes, even without the use of protection, of both characters.
Similar, Queen Woo also shocking when choosing to open with hot segments.
After only the first 8 minutes, the audience had to witness a scene of the actress showing off her upper body.
Next is the image of a naked palace maid cooling her body. Ji Chang Wook and a provocative intimate scene between the female shaman Sabi and the maid Woo Soon (Jung Yumi).
Audiences rated these scenes as Queen Woo becomes a cheap B-movie because of the unsubtle sex scenes that are inserted for no apparent reason.
Although predicted to be a small screen blockbuster at the beginning of the year, gathering A-list stars is Lee Min Ho, Gong Hyo Jin, song When the stars gossip also turned out to be a disappointing "flop".
In addition to the weak content, one of the reasons why audiences are indifferent to the film is because of the overuse of hot scenes and vulgar dialogue.
In episode 1, the film has 2 hot scenes, including Gong Ryong (Lee Min Ho) with Choi Go Eun (Han Ji Eun and Eve Kim (Gong Hyo Jin) with her ex-boyfriend.
Not stopping there, in episode 8, because they were stuck in the spaceship when the engine broke down, Gong Ryong and Eve Kim took off all their clothes to warm each other. Many viewers thought this was an outdated situation, forcing the actors to show off their bodies to attract ratings.
Use every means to attract viewers
In fact, many actors also do not accept to act in hot scenes in Korean movies. To attract viewers, filmmakers have used technology to create the most realistic 18+ scenes.
January 16, newspaper Munhwa Ilbo Actress Cha Joo Young was reportedly not given a clear explanation about the nude scenes in the script. Although her management company requested that the scene be cut, the production team refused.
Finally, her sex scene was done using deepfake technology, combining Cha Joo Young's face with the body of a stunt double.
The queen who crowns tells the story of Queen Won Gyeong, aired on tvN with a rating of 15+. However, on the OTT platform, the film has a 19+ version.
The production side explained that they planned from the beginning to differentiate between the TV and OTT versions, everything was agreed upon by the actors but the controversy over the use of technology still did not stop.
Previously, in 2021, actress Han So Hee revealed that she only knew 18+ details in My name as filming neared its end. The actress's management company added that the agreement regarding the sex scene had not been clearly defined when filming began.
Amidst the controversy of The queen who crowns , some viewers sent complaints to the Korean Communications Commission and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
The complaint argues that using deepfake technology to alter actors' bodies not only violates the actors' rights, but also creates a risk that the technology could be used in serious crimes.
This is contrary to crime prevention and awareness raising, and violates ethical standards in broadcasting.
On February 22, Professor Kim Eun Young of Sungkyunkwan University emphasized in an article: "The controversy surrounding The queen who crowns should be a lesson in how using women's bodies to attract attention and create marketing gimmicks is outdated.
Hopefully understanding the lives of women throughout history will help us better understand the past and present."
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