The A+E Networks-backed Korean drama, Backstreet Rookie, has landed on the official naughty step for sexually suggestive scenes involving, among others, teens, cigarettes, underage kissing, sex workers, language and sound effects, and the “commodification” of women. 

Following rising online chatter since the show debuted on free-TV network SBS on 19 June, Korea’s Communication Standards Commission has now stepped in with a formal review.  

The 16-episode series, based on a webtoon, stars Ji Chang Wook as 30-something store owner Dae-hyun Choi, and Kim Yoo Jung as college co-ed Saetbyul, who Dae-hyun hires against his better judgement. The show is scheduled to run until 8 August 2020. 

Early controversy emerged over a scene in which a young student asks an adult for a cigarette and ends up kissing him. 

Local reports say more than 6,000 complaints have been submitted, breaking the 2020 record for complaints and making it one of the shows with the most complaints ever. 

Production house Taewon Entertainment has been called in to explain the need for pushing the boundaries of language and other standards. 

Commission members allege that the drama’s “ethical and emotional harm to teenagers is great”, and have objected to the 15+ rating.

Backstreet Rookie is A+E Networks’ first investment in premium Korean drama. The show airs on SBS in Korea. A+E Networks has global distribution rights outside of Korea.