This translation is dedicated to everyone who wants to know the history behind the Korean backlash on JKS a few years back.

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Author: jks挚爱cri on Weibo

I stayed in Korea for 3 years from 2006 to 2009, the goddess I admired fell in love with him in 2006, hence I hated him since 2006 because he occupied the heart of my goddess!! *cry*….

But because of this, I started to pay attention to him. At that time I was in Korea, and he was criticized by all the Koreans, so later when I saw his tremendous success, I was very surprised. Although I don’t like him, although I hate him, I still have to admit that he is a tall, rich and handsome star worthy of admiration and to learn from.

His character is representative of most men of his generation or the character that most men admire (despite that many men don’t like him). Here I have to clarify, every man (tall, rich, handsome or not) has his self-esteem and dignity, and his dream. Don’t deny it, so long as you are a man, you are like every man who has their dream of being a hero. We can endure poverty, laugh at ourselves for being short, ugly and poor, see our goddesses being snatched away, we can do without our shame, but we all have our dignity and dream – we value it even more, because this is all that we have (a little literary, but the truth in our heart). But he – his dignity and dream were trampled on and laughed at by all Koreans.

Next I’m going to describe his experiences, this experience is what every man should respect. Because I have lived in Korea for 3 years, what I describe next is what I have seen personally.

In 2006, almost all the Korean women were attracted to him through one drama. That year, he was only 18 years old.

This drama had a star-studded cast, and he was not the lead character. But he, a child only 18 years old, snatched the limelight from the other stars. Possessing the face of an innocent child, he acted the role of an obedient and kind son of a rich man. That night on which his character died in the drama, this kind of comment appeared on the internet: “Korean women are all crying.” (I have not watched this drama, but this kind of comment did appear on the internet the night his character died.)

I have lived in Korea for 3 years, and actually, Korea is more traditional than China sometimes. No matter whether it is the ancient Joseon or the Korea today, certain traditions could not be changed.

Korean tradition is, children must be obedient, listen to adults and be sensible. Because of the character he acted in and his appearance and age, he became an obedient child in the eyes of Korean women, he became their darling pet. All the Korean people started to praise him; they saw him as an obedient child, praised him for his obedience, his innocent smile, his handsome looks, his youth, his acting and his professionalism, his sincerity towards people etc. The Koreans generously gave him a nickname “Perfect Man” (completely...

Reminds me of how MC Mong was edited out in the 1N2D (though I think, he wasn't edited out completely). Probably PD Na learnt from that experience.

Interesting. I didn't know either that JGS was harshly criticized by netizens with respect to this tax issue. Are the critics more from the Korean side? I can't read Korean comments, but I have a feeling that the international comments on the show are full of the JGS pictures and supportive words.

I think the situation was difficult and requiring immediate reactions for both the producers and JGS sides. And we've got a chance to observe some ways of dealing with critical situations in the given circumstances in the given society. In the end we have what we have.

But politics aside I've actually liked the show a lot. Apart from some awkward parts with the third plate / glass / hat / arm / voice here and there it was an endearing atmosphere and I liked both charismatic CSW and the good-hearted ajeossi YHJ. And the new puppy Sanche :) But also the whole feel of the remote fishing village presented in a light-hearted way.

Although I didn't understand many things without the subtitles, but for me it was more interesting to watch than the first season. Probably because the conditions here were more critical. I am looking forward for the next episode.

What do you guys actually think about the content of the show? Did you like it?

My thoughts exactly.

HAHAH why does this remind me of the drama Pinocchio :) How the media just build on nonsense like a train that has no specific detestation.. keep on going and going and going...

The same thing happens all over world in today's media.. We receive Information so fast that we don't have time to processes it before some new information is presented to us which eventually lead to that the truth gets buried in pile of sh#¤t... Therefore most of us human tend to follow the most popular outcome or voices without even knowing the entire story so we don't feel left out...

I hope jks will file a complaint with the government's office of the ombudsman and/or privacy commissioner. He has a case and he can win this one.

With the new TV ratings system into the scene which take into consideration the views from smart devices , VOD's & IPTV along with their previous system of 4000 households rating techniques...there's no surprise as to why the ratings were good.
Regardless atleast the team must be happy with the results, good for them and everyone who work for the show. But..... Hasn't JGS worked equally hard just like everyone else for the show ?

All the happenings are making me feel terrible not just for JGS but for every korean artist out there who is pressured by their society to be this god like flawless human beings , i'm now pretty sure that many of them put a fake image just to survive but wondering how many of them are like that? We will never know.

Tbh. i dont like how he manipulates shows so much.tbh i guess i dont like how all variety/reality shows arent reality but manipilation and scripted a lot of the time.
when i dont think about it too much it seems fine and i find i can enjoy shows despite knowing most things are just semi scripted or manipulated to milk the same cow and jokes or image that ppl like seeing.
But when i am reminded of how its real but not real it kinda puts me off watching.
I guess its cos i havecertain expectations to be entertained in certain ways when watching as well and im feustrated at myself for being like the thousands who also watch for the same superficial reasons.
ehh. but Na PD is super good at manipulating shows to no end and i dont like the degree to which he does it.
Its funny but definitely there have been times when i felt he's trying to fit a certain concept or rapport into something that doesnt fit it properly.

also. I still cant get over how quick they dumped Jang as well. I dont particularly care about Jang as a celebrity or actor but it's just kinda horrific how Na PD and the team were so quick to almost appease and treat the crowds to what they wanted.
It feels all backwards and too close to the unpleasant human traits that we all have to not want to be mixed with something that could do harm even if it means completely ditching another person and completely disregard another human In such a blatant way.

ahhh and thisis why i am so conflicted about variety watching and should just bugger off from watching and commenting on it. :/

I was quite surprised at the vitriolic, slanderous comments from the Korean press and citizens against internationally respected, Korean Super Star, Jang Keun Suk. We all know that entertainers hire accountants to prepare their taxes. When an error arises through no fault of the client, outstanding taxes and fine are paid. The tax department already stated it was not intentional by JKS and they were satisfied. It was not Income Tax Evasion, as the press wrote, to smear him. I understand there were others investigated, but only their numbers were published not their names. Could they have big Entertainment Mangers backing them? Why victimize JKS in the press just before a new show was coming out? We know entertainment companies fear him. They can't control him or make money from him, so they try to destroy him through paying reporters to destroy his credibility. This is quite obvious to the international community. Do Korean citizens realize how much revenue JKS brings into Korea. He only uses Korean manufacturers to produce his good which are sold worldwide. All other celebs goods are outsourced to other countries because it's cheaper. He employs Koreans in his restaurant in Japan. His international following is huge we study Hangul, come to Korean to see its beauty, enjoy the food, spend money in your hotels, taxis, restaurants, airports all because of his world appeal, how well JKS speaks of his Korea and his Korean people. Therefore, when he was cut from a tvN show, which he clearly didn't need to do, but accepted because of director, PD, the world was shocked. Doesn't Korea value one of their precious sons who gives back to the poor and his University so generously? Jang Keun Suk, shines a light on Korea through his celebrity. That light has dimmed in the eyes of the world. If you have a large mirror, please look into it and see if you like who you are?

I wrote 2 comments and both came back error. Do you not want to hear an American point of view on how international star Jang Keun Suk was treated by his own people. The vitriolic, slanderous press and vicious comments by citizens is seen worldwide. The written word is visible to all. Korea needs to pick up a mirror and take a long look at itself, are you happy with yourself and what you see.
Jang Keun Suk is a valued, precious person to his family, friends and international supporters. The light has dimmed on my view of Korea and its people. We come to Korea because of JKS and how well he speaks of his country, its beauty and food. He produces all his goods in Korea although it is more expensive he does it to give jobs to Korean manufacturers. All other celebs outsource their goods. He is admired and respected. Who were the other celebrities that were investigated, only numbers appeared. Suspicious! Everyone knows what Korean Entertainment Management is like, pay off reporters for good press and threaten TV stations. Korea may not value your precious son, but the international community respects him for his generosity of spirit and a courageous young man following his dream.

Tax scandals freak the elites out.
Wesley Snipes was one of the biggest and most famous actors of USA, but after his tax scandal he never got back up to that high peak again.
I think only politicians are allowed to have tax scandals for some reason and make a full come back.

He must be on the shitlist of some corporate higher up(s) to get this kind of industry backlash.

I'm an international fan and don't know much about k-ent, but these arguments about arrogance and immodest behavior seem odd. Don't get me wrong, he may well be a jerk. But really? When the show goes on for Park Shi Hoo, Kim Hyun Joong, and Lee Byung-hun?

Actually, now , I am curious as to how the show would've looked like with JKS in it.

Disappointed and honestly no longer interested in the show.

I've only see JGS's acting in You're Beautiful. I can barely remember the drama now and he didn't make much of an impression, but I was curious about his persona in this variety environment. It's disappointing that he was completely cut out of the show.

Blame JKS' accountant! They did such a shabby job that he gets the blame.

JKS has guts. He refused to pay or bribe Korean media to write glowing reports about himself. He refused to accept payment to have 'meal' with rich female CEO. His guts is the norm in any country except in Korea where one has to toe the line.

Yeah, just 'cause he ha some problems, that dosen't mean they should act like he doesn't exist