Controversy Surrounds KBS2 Drama 'Walking On Thin Ice' for Depiction of Drug Culture

The KBS2 drama 'Walking On Thin Ice,' which premiered on the 20th, has sparked concerns among viewers for its focus on drug-related themes just two episodes in. The broadcast included details on drug dealing methods and daily earnings from illicit trade, raising questions about its suitability for public broadcasting.

'Walking On Thin Ice' follows the story of Kang Eunsoo (played by Lee Young-ae), a parent determined to protect her family, and Lee Kyung (played by Kim Young-kwang), a teacher with a double life, as they navigate the dangerous world of drug dealing after accidentally acquiring a bag of drugs. The drama airs on weekends and is rated for viewers aged 15 and older.

However, by the second episode, the drama received criticism for being inappropriate for family viewing. On the 21st, the episode featured three club scenes starting at 3 minutes and 8 seconds. In the drama, art teacher Lee Kyung enters a club, high-fives patrons, and receives a small bag. A scene in the parking lot depicted a detailed drug transaction via text message, and Lee Kyung invited Eunsoo to his home to test the drugs.

The club scene reappeared at 20 minutes and 48 seconds, showing shirtless male waiters presenting Eunsoo's drugs as a birthday gift to influencer Mimi, who called it "the best birthday present." Mimi and her friends then partied with drug-laced champagne, with scenes of drinking and hallucinations broadcasted. Intoxicated individuals engaged in affectionate behavior, including same-sex interactions, for seven minutes. Viewers expressed shock on message boards, questioning KBS's choice of subject matter.

The third club scene, starting at 29 minutes and 59 seconds, showed a man, intoxicated by drug-laced alcohol, stumbling towards Mimi. His speech was slurred, making it difficult to understand without subtitles. The scene effectively illustrated the club atmosphere and drug effects to the audience.

A scene depicting the evasion of a police drug task force also aired. As police entered the club, staff cleared drug-laden plates and sprayed tables to eliminate evidence. Another employee requested the deletion of CCTV footage from the party room. Eunsoo participated by removing room numbers to mislead police, allowing Lee Kyung and his group to escape in a van. Viewers criticized the scene for undermining the drug task force's efforts.

Eunsoo earned 5 million won from her first partnership with Lee Kyung, remarking, "It's more than I could earn in three months at a supermarket." This highlighted the lucrative nature of drug dealing. Some viewers even expressed curiosity about potential earnings from drug transactions.

The second episode opened with Lee Kyung's narration, "Drugs in Korea? 90% get caught and fail, but there's always a lucky 10%." He referred to the 10% as "lucky," suggesting that drug dealing could go undetected. When handing Eunsoo 5 million won, Lee Kyung downplayed the seriousness of drugs, comparing them to real estate speculation and stock fraud, claiming drugs have no victims.

Before the drama began, a message warned viewers that "drugs are not a simple escape but a serious crime that can destroy individuals, families, and society." However, the broadcasted scenes seemed to incite curiosity about drugs, contradicting Lee Kyung's statement that "drugs have no victims."

KBS2 previously aired illegal drinking scenes in the weekend drama 'Splendid Days' by the sixth episode and environmental law violations in 'Please Take Care of the Eagle Five Brothers' by the fourth episode. A viewer of 'Walking On Thin Ice' questioned whether KBS truly considers the social impact of its dramas, recalling the network's previous apology for 'Splendid Days.'

Reported by Dayeon Jeong, TenAsia light@tenasia.co.kr