Han So Hee is facing backlash over her new movie PROJECT Y and its controversial plot.
The upcoming K-Movie, premiering as a special presentation at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), stars Han So Hee and her close friend Jeon Jong Seo. The film is a criminal noir set in Gangnam’s nightlife scene.
PROJECT Y follows Mi Seon (Han So Hee) and Do Kyung (Jeon Jong Seo), adult entertainment workers who steal ₩8 billion KRW (about $5.75 million USD) in illicit gold bars to escape their harsh reality.
Fans quickly reacted negatively to the depiction of the characters as “hwa-ryu-gye” women — a Korean euphemism for prostitution.
Many expressed frustration with the constant portrayal of women in Korean films as tied to gangsters, crime, and prostitution.
“The film industry only ever makes stuff about gangsters, prostitutes, and crime.”
“Hwa-ryu-gye women? Just call them what it is—prostitutes.”
“Are there seriously no other story ideas?”
“This is why Korean cinema is going downhill.”
“Why would anyone want to make something like that?”
“So cliché…”
On top of the plot backlash, both actresses are labeled “controversial” due to past drama involving actor Ryu Jun Yeol and his ex-girlfriend Girl’s Day’s Hyeri.
Fans also slammed the film’s overdone concept and the director’s style.
“Sorry, but just the thought of these two filming something like this together is hilarious. LOL.”
“Feels like I’ve already seen the whole movie.”
“The plot sounds so overdone, seriously.”
“So tired of this…”
“And the director’s entire style is just… meh, too.”
Aside from PROJECT Y, Han So Hee is also creating buzz for her rumored casting in the Korean remake of The Intern, reportedly taking on the iconic Anne Hathaway role.
