Netflix has recently landed in a controversy due to an incorrect subtitle issue in The 8 Show. Starring Ryu Jun-Yeol and Chun Woo-Hee, the K-drama is based on a survival show with eight individuals participating in a mysterious game to win a whopping amount.
The latest series became an instant hit because of its similar concept to Squid Game. While The 8 Show grabbed attention worldwide, the Spanish (Latin American) subtitle landed the streamer into controversy. Instead of “East Sea,” the subtitle read, “Sea of Japan.”
Netflix apparently received the complaint as the streamer released a statement on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. It read, “We have confirmed that the East Sea mentioned by a character in the play is indicated as the Sea of Japan in the subtitles of some languages, and are in the process of correcting it. In the process of providing subtitles in various languages, the content was not sufficiently reviewed.”
Netflix’s The 8 Show embroiled in controversy over its subtitles
In The 8 Show episode 3, Chun Woo-Hee attempted to seduce Ryu Jun-Yeol. To avoid her, he sang the national anthem, “East Sea and Mt. Baekdu…” The Spanish (Latin American) subtitle turned the meaning to “Sea of Japan.”
Professor Seo Kyung-Deok of Sungshin Women’s University was apparently the first one to point out the mistake. The professor told JTBC News, “I found out about it because many netizens reported it.” He added, “Since Netflix has a global influence, I immediately sent a protest email.”
With an East Sea-related video, he wrote in his complaint, “I urge you to correct it as quickly as possible so that viewers around the world do not misunderstand.” He explained in the letter that the sea between Korea and Japan has been named “East Sea” for over 2,000 years.
Recently, the streamer acknowledged their mistake and promised to review the subtitles. Meanwhile, viewers can watch The 8 Show on Netflix. It consists of eight episodes.
