Controversy and topic of 'sex + people' dealing with sexual industry + workers
Producer Jeong Hyo-min “Focus on what vocation employees have for their work”
Producer Kim In-sik emphasizes ‘relativity of culture’
Gender split? “Opinions vary depending on individual values”
In preparation for the Taiwanese version, “the controversy will not affect the editing, we will deal with sexual minorities”
Producer Jeong Hyo-min “Focus on what vocation employees have for their work”
Producer Kim In-sik emphasizes ‘relativity of culture’
Gender split? “Opinions vary depending on individual values”
In preparation for the Taiwanese version, “the controversy will not affect the editing, we will deal with sexual minorities”
Netflix's entertainment show 'Sex + People', which openly explores the culture of sex, which was curious but too shy to be curious, has become a hot topic and controversy. There is a lot of controversy among the public about the Japanese edition of 'Sex + People', which focuses on sex and people working in the adult industry. Producers Jeong Hyo-min and Kim In-sik, who directed 'Sex + Characters', spoke directly about various controversies. PD Jeong said, "I hope that this program will be an opportunity for people with different opinions to talk and discuss areas where we can agree rather than 'I'm right and you're wrong.'" “I hope interest extends to liberal arts and documentaries,” he said.
On the 2nd, I met PD Hyo-min Jeong and PD In-sik Kim, who directed Netflix's 'Sex + Character', at a cafe in Sogyeok-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. ‘Sex + People’ is a talk variety show in which MCs Shin Dong-yeop and Sung Si-kyung explore sex and characters in the adult culture industry. The 6th Japanese episode was released on April 25th.
MCs visit Japanese adult goods stores and meet and interview AV actors. I also visit companies that specialize in masturbation devices and look for host clubs. There are many sensitive topics, but the most controversial part is that AV is the subject matter. Some netizens pointed out that the 'sex + people' content itself, which is based on Japanese AV, which is illegal to distribute in Korea, is inappropriate. On the other hand, there is an opinion that since the sexual problem is causing serious problems in the shadows, it will have a positive effect if it is dealt with in the sun.
PD Jeong said, "There is talk about whether AV is legal or illegal. Producing and distributing AV is an illegal area. When asked if it is illegal for individuals to watch AV, it does not seem to be illegal. In Japan, producing AV is illegal. “It’s legal. There are quite a few countries around the world where it is legal to produce AV,” he said. He continued, "I wondered if I should avoid Japan if I decided to produce 'Sex + People'. However, in Japan, AV is an industry that represents the adult industry. Rather than discussing the rights and wrongs of this industry, what beliefs and beliefs should the people working in it have?" “The point was to listen to serious conversations about whether people are working with their calling,” he emphasized.
PD Jeong said that ‘legal standards’ may be relative from country to country, and cited ‘drinking’ as an example. He said, "There are laws that are universally punishable, such as violence and murder. There are also laws that are determined by social commitments, such as the culture that adults can enjoy, such as drinking. There may be issues of right and wrong, but the degree to which it is culturally acceptable is the same." “It’s about getting somewhere,” he said. He continued, “Rather than saying, ‘Our country is right and that country is wrong’ or ‘Our country is wrong and that country is right,’ I wanted to see where our country’s coordinates are.” “It may be controversial. It may be controversial, but it is a topic that I thought was meaningful enough to be raised,” he said.
PD Kim also emphasized the ‘relativity of culture’. PD Kim said, “In this culture, I have lived as if I am the mainstream and this idea is correct, but even if you are a little away, you may think that this culture exists. The reason we go to other countries and look at their cultures is to tell the stories of those people from the perspective of the non-mainstream.” “It’s like listening. I think it was interesting to hear such culture and stories,” he said.
Even in Japan, there is criticism that the AV industry sexually exploits actors. In this situation, some criticism is raised, ‘Was it really necessary to create content based on Japan’s dark culture in Korea?’ PD Jeong said, "Of course, we also considered the issue of exploitation. In the adult entertainment sector, AV is the mainstream in Japan. As mentioned in the broadcast, it is a market worth close to 1 trillion won. Japan is called 'the country of convenience stores,' and its size is equivalent to the size of the convenience store industry. “Everything,” he explained. He continued, "There are shades of industry, and the adult-related industry in particular may seem more prominent. Will we not be able to deal with this field at all just because there are some cancers? I don't think so." Also, “We created a space where you can hear the words ‘AV is a fantasy’ from the mouth of AV actors. It can be difficult for (AV actors) to say that AV is staged. This is something that is not shown in the industry. There may be some regrets, but “I don’t think it’s a bad thing to be able to bring about this kind of discussion in the first attempt,” he said.
When asked about the possibility of an unexpected gender divide, PD Jeong said, "I think it may be possible in the beginning. But I feel that the direction of public opinion is changing a lot even within a day." He continued, "Going through the process of filming, internal current events, etc., I thought that it would depend on how tolerant I am toward sex rather than on the issue of men and women. Am I stubborn or a little more open? I think it depends on the individual's values rather than on the issue of men and women. Time “Wouldn’t it be interesting to talk about it once it becomes public?” he said.
Some netizens also demanded that Shin Dong-yeop, who hosts SBS's 'TV Animal Farm' and tvN's 'Amazing Saturday', step down. The reason is that Shin Dong-yup, who appears in 'TV Animal Farm', a program watched by the whole family, and 'Amazing Saturday', which is mainly watched by teenage viewers, was inappropriate to appear in 'Sex + People', a 19+ content.
Producer Jeong said, “It is positive and enjoyable for me to see various stories related to the program and discussions about sex emerge.” At the same time, he expressed his regret, saying, "I think there can be pros and cons about the MCs, but it ended up being a shame for Shin Dong-yeop." He also confessed, "The responsibility for the program lies with the production team. It is a pity for the MC that the show is not live, but is being edited and there is talk of leaving 'Animal Farm.'"
PD Kim said, "I knew that Seong Si-kyung is good at listening to other people's stories. Shin Dong-yeop leads the program well as an MC. This time, he was a good questioner who listened to other people's stories well and brought out the stories well. Linguistically, “The conversation went better because Seong Si-kyung provided smooth interpretation. He asked good questions and made the atmosphere pleasant,” he said.
The production team of 'Sex + Characters' is preparing the Taiwanese version after the Japanese version. The 'Sex + Character' team went to Taiwan for filming last week. Producer Jeong said, "In Korea, the debate over homosexuality is controversial, but Taiwan is the first place in Asia where same-sex marriage has been legalized. I met ordinary same-sex couples living in Taiwan. There were gay couples, lesbian couples, and among them those who were thinking of raising children. “I also met a pregnant lesbian couple,” he said. Also, "I went to a sex fair in Taiwan. AV actors came and greeted me like idols. Three generations even came. I saw parents and children come and participate as audience members, and couples come and participate. When it comes to sex, each country has its own standards. “I realized it was diverse,” he said.
When asked if the current controversy would have an impact on the direction of the Taiwanese edition, PD Jeong said, "It won't." He continued, "It may cause controversy in some ways. We are cautious about dealing with LGBT (sexual minorities) as a subject. It is not wrong for us to talk about the human way of life or the philosophy of life regarding work. It is different. “We can talk about it. Rather than saying that the tone of the Taiwanese version may change, we will try to continue talking about these issues,” he said.
Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr