Announced to premiere at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), PROJECT Y is an adult film marking the first on-screen collaboration between close friends Han So Hee and Jeon Jong Seo. However, it immediately sparked fierce backlash from South Korean audiences. There are multiple reasons behind the negative reactions. The script is seen as both offensive and dull, while both lead actresses are currently on many viewers’ “blacklists” due to various personal scandals.
PROJECT Y is categorized as a noir film set in the underground world of Gangnam. Han So Hee and Jeon Jong Seo play two women working in the “adult entertainment” industry who recklessly steal 8 billion won worth of smuggled gold to escape their dead-end lives. Instead of generating curiosity as expected, the story has left netizens grimacing. Particularly controversial is the production’s use of the term “hwa-ryu-gye women” to describe the two characters in the adult entertainment sector. This phrase is a euphemism for sex workers in Korea.
Public outrage grew even stronger due to the pairing of two actresses already surrounded by ongoing controversies. Han So Hee suffered heavy backlash after a romantic scandal involving Ryu Jun Yeol and Hyeri. Although no clear conclusion has been reached about who was right or wrong, her habit of arguing with fans online led to a wave of boycotts. Jeon Jong Seo is infamous for a long list of scandals including school violence, uncontrolled behavior on social media, and a diva-like attitude toward reporters, causing many to question her character.
The fact that these two controversial actresses are teaming up for a sensitive adult film has only intensified public discomfort in South Korea. Many bluntly claim the movie is doomed to flop even before release, with some calling for it to be banned in theaters for promoting distorted and negative images of women. Koreaboo has recorded numerous negative comments labeling PROJECT Y as a prime example of the decline of Korean cinema.
Viewer comments:
– Why are all the films about gangsters, crime, and sex work? No wonder the film industry is declining.
– Vote to ban the screening.
– This tired motif is overused and won’t go away.
– Why do all movies force women to suffer and sell their bodies for drama?
– Honestly, just imagining these two filming together is already laughable.
– The plot sounds ridiculous, are they serious?
– This is why Korean cinema is going downhill.
Despite the criticism, some defend the film, saying the roles suit Han So Hee and Jeon Jong Seo’s edgy acting styles and images. Additionally, its selection for the Toronto International Film Festival raises hopes that it could still be a polished work with artistic value.