Fans are spitting mad at Tamra’s curtailment
by javabeans
Im Joo-hwan
When MBC announced that Tamra the Island was getting cut and ending early, they pissed off fans and even spurred them to publish a large ad in a daily newspaper protesting the decision. (As I said before, the ratings are low but this is a mania drama, meaning that the fans it has amassed are passionate — and vocal.)
The ad, which appeared on September 3, took the broadcasting industry to task for its vice of kowtowing to ratings numbers. It was organized and signed by members of the fan cafes for actors Hwang Chan-bin (who plays William) and Lee Sun-ho (who plays Yan).
At the outset, the drama’s original plan was for 24 episodes (although the last report put the number at 20), so this late-game announcement certainly makes things difficult on the production, who spent a year filming the drama in advance. MBC has said that their action is not strictly a cutting of the series, since they had already negotiated a term prior to the drama’s premiere that allowed the station to alter the number of episodes depending on the situation. That seems to me like splitting hairs on the issue, as though they want to calm angry fans with a technicality.
Hwang Chan-bin, Lee Sun-ho
If that was their intent, it didn’t work, because viewers are continuing to voice their strong opposition, whether on internet message boards or by circulating petitions. The Tamra the Island message board, for instance, is filled with thousands of posts in protest.
Their statement in the newspaper read, “In these days where dramas are rampant with ‘makjang’ stories and dependent on big stars, Tamra the Island is a drama that provides a breath of fresh air. The broadcasting industry must end its habitual practice of snatching away dramas like this through early terminations based on the sole reason of low ratings.”
Their statement ended, “We have a right to see the drama that was made according to plan. Although we may be few, we viewers who love this drama have a right to see it. We hope you will honor the blood and sweat of the actors and staff who worked so hard and have a right to have their work acknowledged.”
Reportedly, there are other campaigns planning to take out more newspaper ads with similar protests.
As for main actor Im Joo-hwan, he posted a recent statement on the DC Inside gallery for Tamra with the title, “I’m Park Kyu!”
Im expressed his feelings about the news as “complicated and gloomy.” He added, “I ask for your increased warm praise and support. That will cheer up the Tamra the Island family, who have worked hard together for the past year.”
Personally, I don’t think the protests will do much good, and I don’t think MBC has much reason to relent and give back the cut episodes. (It would be great if they did, but I’m feeling pessimistic.) Still, it’s nice to see fans rally in such swift support against a practice that will ultimately only harm the industry, not help it.
The newspaper protest
Via Sports Khan, Hankook Ilbo
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Tags: controversies, Hwang Chan-bin, Im Joo-hwan, Lee Sun-ho, mania dramas, Seo Woo, Tamra the Island
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1 CrimemasterGogo
September 3, 2009 at 4:06 PM
Tamara just like Soulmate is a drama ahead of its time for Korea, we can wish but it will get cancelled. I do feel for the crew that worked so hard. Its a shame but inevitable.
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2 Jenn
September 3, 2009 at 4:23 PM
I wish I could join all these fans. It's a shame what has been done to this drama but it's important to speak out whether it changes anything or not.
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3 Vroom
September 3, 2009 at 4:25 PM
I totally agree with you CrimemasterGogo! Soulmate's reminds me of Tamra. It has a huge following like Soulmate, or at least a vocal one. I hope that MBC rethinks their decision AND I hope this outrage by fans can somehow increase the ratings for the show. But we'll see if that'll happen.
This sucks for the actors. They can't feel to good about what's going on, but hopefully they will take notice in the fans response to what happend and somehow be happy for the run it'll have.
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4 Lisa L
September 3, 2009 at 4:25 PM
wow good to hear this piece of news.
my prayer has been answer where fans in Korea will voice their dissatisfaction. earlier i was upset by the inevitable but knowing someone fighting for the drama soothes my anger and lift up my mood.
salute to those fan cafes and salute to Tamra!
continue the fight and lets hope for the best...TAMRA
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5 Blakey
September 3, 2009 at 4:32 PM
That makes me so sad. I enjoy this drama. I'm glad the fans are protesting, even if it doesn't change a thing for this drama, it could for others in the future.
I hope when it comes out on dvd they'll have all the episodes that were meant to be shown. It would be a shame if the original intent of the hardworking actors and staff never got to see the light of day.
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6 Elena
September 3, 2009 at 4:33 PM
They probably don't realize how many outside of Korean watch Tamra - and don't care either. If they did, they would know what a money maker it truely is and leave it the way it is. The US had similar thing with a scifi called FireFly a few year back. It was cut for a different reason. It could have made them millions, but - oh, well!
If all episode come out on DVD - I 'd buy it. subbed or not.
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7 ina
September 3, 2009 at 4:35 PM
yea they should release a DVD of the show i buy it to
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8 Masaya
September 3, 2009 at 4:42 PM
If they can't air them all, at least put all of them on DVDs.
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9 glalam
September 3, 2009 at 4:43 PM
I love Tamra and I am glad to see that there are plenty of people out there just as upset about MBC's decision as I am.
I hope MBC change their mind and not ruin the show for all the people who are watching and enjoying the show. It may only be 5% in ratings- but ratings don't always reflect how good a show is.
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10 crabapple
September 3, 2009 at 5:01 PM
I really am in love with this series, and cannot believe that its being cut. Its a really good show, its different from typical kdrama, but it still is a very good show
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11 amy
September 3, 2009 at 5:23 PM
I'm pretty pessimistic about this and Group Eight doesn't appear to have any motivation to go for any kind of negotiation with MBC to keep this drama at 20 episodes, either. It's just us viewers who are stuck with this doomed situation. But I'm still hoping for a miracle to happen. It looks like people are planning for a protest on this decision in front of MBC building.. I hope it accomplishes something.
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12 xiaoSxin
September 3, 2009 at 5:26 PM
i am amazed at Korean fans.. they are passionate people.. from crazy idol fans to fans that truly inspire us.. Very interesting.
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13 beasting
September 3, 2009 at 5:51 PM
"ahead of it's time"
....
are you serious?
this is the same production company that made Goong S and Boys Over Flowers. CP this is not. Park Kyu likes Beo Jin, but Beo Jin is in love with William yadda yadda. or maybe perhaps you're talking about the casting? just because you place a white guy as one of the main doesn't make it a good show. it's still a girl's manhwa adaptation and its whole goal was to rake in prepubescent school girl's allowances. PLEASE do not compare this choding show with Soulmate.
god i hope this mediocre drama gets cut even further just to piss off lovelorn teenagers and middle aged women.
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14 RockerGirl
September 3, 2009 at 6:19 PM
Beasting, girl, just take a chill pill. Actually, I think this drama, despite coming from Group 8, is very good. Although I didn't trust Group 8 either, but this drama proves that Group 8 still has hope so far. I rather like the Tamra manhwa since it's really refreshing among the shoujo manga and etc. I watched Soulmate, and it's good. And I don't see anyone is insulting Soulmate. So why are you getting pissed?
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15 nana
September 3, 2009 at 6:20 PM
i don't think tamra is a fantastic show, but its certainly fun and its relaxing to watch something different for a change (and i am neither a middle aged woman nor a teenager).
its good to know that fans are so active in supporting it.
and yeah, sometimes the corporations screw up royally (and firefly IS a very good example of this). i'd like to think that all those protesting voices might make a difference but i'm too american to be anything but pessimistic of the outcome.
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16 ivmarz
September 3, 2009 at 6:34 PM
@Beasting have you seen the show?
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17 Porcelain
September 3, 2009 at 6:47 PM
I would be maniacal over this drama if I had any chance to watch it. But it is still heart warming to see viewers so passionately protesting for the drama.
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18 Lumi
September 3, 2009 at 6:51 PM
YA Entertainment subs and secures rights for distribution in North America of K-dramas. It often asks reades of its monthly newsletter to suggest dramas they would like YA to add to its catalogue. If a drama gets a lot of requests, they might look into it and get the rights for it.. What about requesting this drama? This will send MBC the message that people abroad are interested in it, too.
The way Korean networks are doing business reminds me of the American networks that only care for their American ratings, eventhough many of their series (even those cancelled before they finished the season) are sold to foreignTV networks and have a following in many countries.
This practice of cancelling shows drove many viewers to switch to cable channels (including me). I have stopped watching network shows because I am afraid that if I like one or two they will soon be cancelled and leave me fuming (as it has happened many times in the past).
I hope Korean fans continue with thei protests. AJA AJA FIGHTING!!!!
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19 all4movies
September 3, 2009 at 6:55 PM
If the episodes don't get re-instated as fans wish, at least the added attention may convince more people to watch it.
Perhaps if the ratings became double digit (and hopefully 20+), MBC may actually think twice about the cut because it affects their bottom line.
It's not too late to spread the word about this little gem of a series.
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20 amy
September 3, 2009 at 7:26 PM
@ #14 beasting - did you even watch the show? This drama is not only about a white guy being one of the main cast, or a love triangle. It also deals with the things that Tamra Islanders had to go through during this time and the limits people faced at the time and it's beautifully made. I don't like this production company either but the staff and actors have been putting so much effort into this drama and it really shows. People have different taste and appreciate things differently. The fact that this drama is not to your taste doesn't give you the right to insult a drama that many drama critics have praised for being unique and having a high production value at the same time. This drama has been widely known for being experimental in the media so I really don't understand why you're so pissed about the "ahead of it’s time” comment.
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21 LadyIgraine
September 3, 2009 at 7:33 PM
Awww that's so sweet of the fans, I would protest in anger too. I think the show has a growing fanbase, and MBC should recognize that. The thing that sucks, is they won't give it a bit more time to grow. I mean "Queen of Housewives" and "Women in the Sun" didn't have much ratings in the beginning but found themselves gaining popularity as the show progress.
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22 qwerty
September 3, 2009 at 7:40 PM
i personally LOVE this show and i look forward to it every week. please dont bash on it just because of its company and how it looks on the outside. its great that the people who did try watching the drama is enjoying it and is fighting for it :)
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23 etsy
September 3, 2009 at 7:52 PM
I'm glad that fans are voicing their opinion against the cutback. I really hope it makes a difference. I feel bad for the actors and crew who have worked so hard on it.
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24 Jeniper Mose
September 3, 2009 at 7:57 PM
Tamra director - your vision accomplished but not being appreciated by your big boss.
We like your cinematology especially of Jeju Islands and the night scenes beautiful.
The OST's catchy and wrap-up the feelings of the three persons PG, BJ and W.
Although the story plot is simple but with martial arts and mixed with
manga the end result is exciting. The actors very good. Park Kyu - very hot !
Beo Jin - sexy ! William like Sinbad !!
Chopping the episodes is like taking away the essence of the story.
Aja Aja fans in korea , you paid monthly subscription to watch dramas in korea. So you have the rights to voice your dissatisfaction.
This is also a signal to the other stations.
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25 ar_arguably romantic
September 3, 2009 at 8:02 PM
Wow, i didn't know that the korean fans would be so vocal about the show! yay for them!! Though I doubt it would get MBC to reverse its decision, it will at least provide some comfort to all those involved in making the show. i just hope that the full-version dvds will sell well.
i wonder if any of this have to do with a foreigner being the male lead in a drama or that this drama reverses traditional gender roles....
I hope MBC's cutting-down-episodes tactic will backfire on them one day!!
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26 MyMyMai
September 3, 2009 at 8:43 PM
I absolutely ADORE Soulmate. It's fantastic but the ratings weren't. If Tamra is somewhat of an oddity itself, I'd hate to see it cut back. Maybe it's overseas run will have the full extended episodes. Their DVD releases should have loads of extras since the broadcaster decided to cut those out.
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27 Lemoncat
September 3, 2009 at 9:06 PM
@beasting
Have you even watched it? Because you obviously don't know what you're talking about, so you should've just kept quiet. Just because it had a romantic storyline that sounds typical doesn't meant it couldn't have been done in a refreshing manner. This is also a fusion sageuk based on manhwa, so it has a different tone to anything that drama watchers have seen before, at least recently.
Sure, despite that, Tamra may not be the latest revelation that fans of Soulmate said Soulmate was, but still, it's quite an entertaining show. In an industry becoming stagnant with constant reuse of material, it's nice to see something at least slightly different from the norm. The fact that MBC's cutting a drama that's already been filmed and edited shows that nothing is safe if the ratings aren't good enough, which is terrible.
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28 chajjye
September 3, 2009 at 9:17 PM
haha. korean fans are scary. XD first, cassies, now, this.
but unless the drama is filming as it goes (as many dramas are), i think it would be a bad idea for MBC to slaughter it like that. but what's with these broadcasting companies cutting episodes? ja myung go, alien baseball, this.
i mean, save budget, yes. but still. it's crap when we have to deal with crappy endings. especially for me, i HATE crappy (not well-executed and well-written, illogical) endings. no matter how good the starting, the middle is, if the resolution is crap, the ending scene is crap, i would have a bad impression of the whole drama.
bah. send it to cable if they are so worried about their main ratings. imagine if story of a man was slashed. :/ but if they do slash it, i think heading to the ground may not be a good drama after all with all that sudden rush. look at dream (purely my opinion based on no fan faves here).
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29 Auntiemame
September 3, 2009 at 11:52 PM
I wonder if there is a site for viewers not in Korea, to lodge our protest. The more support we can give this drama, the better.
I really agree with the statements in the newspaper ad. Although, I'm also pessimistic that it will change those number crunchers... bleagh!
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30 k-lover
September 4, 2009 at 12:35 AM
Lol, I was thinking of putting up a petition form too when it was announced they'll cut the episodes so I am so glad the Korean fans are doing this with so much passion. Maybe this will bring attention to others who haven't watched it yet and bring the ratings up. :)
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31 yvhsien
September 4, 2009 at 2:47 AM
This is unfortunate. From what I've read, Tamra looks good and has quite a following. This whole "cut the episdes because of low ratings" is not a smart move. They better think this through before more and more dramas get cut.
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32 Mish Hablo
September 4, 2009 at 2:56 AM
I "el-oh-vi-ee" this drama. *tears.
why?! why?!why do they have to cut the drama...!
I heart <3 Im Joo-hwan. :(
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33 kish-me
September 4, 2009 at 3:38 AM
i will miss that hideous country bumpkin girl
like her alot
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34 yen_nguyen
September 4, 2009 at 5:57 AM
Miss Soulmate so much, uptill now I still watch Soulmate or listen to C'mon through each time I feel sad or lonely. Yet through Soulmate, I much more believe in my destiny/my soulmate/my partner who is waiting for me somewhere out there.
Tamna may be cut like soulmate but we - its true fans- will enjoy its 16 episodes and miss it when it ends.
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35 lostshoop
September 4, 2009 at 7:47 AM
it's a comfort that there are vocal tamna-maniacs in korea, i hope their voices are heard loud and clear and action taken.
i just feel so bad for the cast and crew. getting a whole fifth, or even third (from the original 24) of your drama cut must be so heartbreaking.
mbc, please come round!
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36 eclipse
September 4, 2009 at 9:17 AM
I`m glad there are korean fans who love Tamra and fight for them. Because we`re outsiders so i don`t think MBC would consider our protests. I hope something good will happen from it. Either they (MBC) reconsider their decision or the uncut version wil broadcast in other country, or at least in dvd.
Keep fighting! SUPPORT TAMRA,THE ISLAND!!
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37 John
September 4, 2009 at 10:15 AM
MBC is making the same kind of extremely "rational" (read: "stupid") mistake as the people who canceled the original Star Trek series--but they'll probably figure it out later rather than sooner.
SciFi Channel in particular has lost a lot of "live" viewers in the same way. Now more and more people are just waiting for their shows to be completed BEFORE they start watching. The thinking being, "Any show I really like will only end up getting canceled, so why bother? This way I'll spare myself the disappointment. And, if it does finish up properly, I can always watch it on DVD later."
Kudos to those fans who are fighting for their rights!
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38 le
September 4, 2009 at 10:24 AM
i haven't seen the drama, but if i was a fan i would be pissed too. MBC has been really cutting the episode orders for its low rating dramas, this and Strike Love.
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39 Ruthy Zeevi
September 4, 2009 at 1:01 PM
I agree with "eclipse" because he or she put the word exactly as i'm thinking.
there's plenty viewers outside korea who love this drama for them and for the korean viewer i'm hopping that MBC RECONSIDER theirs dicision.
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40 tamna_fan
September 5, 2009 at 12:57 PM
I love this drama. It would be a crying shame if they don't play ALL of the episodes.
Why I love this drama:
Park Kyu and William are HOT
I love the love triangle that's going on -- it's cute and makes me want to fall in love.
The plot is different from your everyday typical socioeconomic status bs (korean drama writers, enough already!! please write about something else. it's overdone and it stresses me out).
Well, if they do end up cutting the episodes, I'm gonna have to look for this when/if it comes out on DVD.
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41 Jatsuki
September 6, 2009 at 4:39 PM
Is there a way that we could send, i dunno like e-mails or something to MBC stating our protestings? i can't read korean so i have no idea what their official site says, but i'm freakin pissed about them cutting the show down and would like to join with the raving fans in korea as well! DX
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42 Tamna fan
September 9, 2009 at 4:59 PM
Hey everyone! You can read tamna the island episode 3 recap at http://kdramafanatic.blogspot.com
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43 AKO
September 15, 2009 at 2:20 AM
I am not Korean, but i like this drama very much, I always waiting for Monday to watch it. I am glad to see fan protect. Is any way i can write the a letter to MBC?
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44 Tamna fan
September 15, 2009 at 2:28 AM
In my idea i think it is okay for the white guy to be the lead actor. They should not think to much a bout that. In the Hooly wood movie there are different peope from diffterent nationalities that is the main actor.
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45 Julia
September 15, 2009 at 9:26 AM
I think this is the best korean drama ever made! I can understand why so many fans are passionate about this drama. I have never googled and left a message related TV drama. If the MBC managements watched this drama, they would have not made a decision to terminate early. I hope MBC change its decision. I wil buy DVD.
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46 roselily
September 24, 2009 at 7:42 AM
I am loving this drama so much and the actors as well. Completely disappointed with the cutoff of the episodes while the drama is so entertaining.....I wonder what dramas get good ratings if not this...
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47 Basuha
November 30, 2009 at 6:40 PM
I really enjoy watching this show, I was upset it was cut short. The storyline wasn't draggy and the acting was good. It didn't have a great main plot but many small detail plots that fit perfectly. I think they made a big mistake with this drama, greedy is the root of evil.
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