K-Drama ‘Penthouse 3’ Receives Backlash After Cultural Appropriation Controversy

In the latest installment, viewers were introduced to a new character – Alex played by Park Eun Suk.

Alex is another character’s brother, Logan Lee, who is played by the same actor.

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K-Drama fans from all over the world got a rude shock in the latest episode of ‘Penthouse’ after Alex was sporting dreadlocks, (bad quality ones), grills, tattoos, and even had an accent akin to someone of African-American descent.

On SBS’s official instagram page, fans flocked to the comments section to point out that this was wrong on so many level and the South Korean TV network should apologise especially to those they have offended.

Clips of the scene have also gone viral on Twitter and attracted backlash from netizens.

Wey Alex in Penthouse Season 3 Episode 2 cringe sangat i cannot stand watching him. ?? what’s up with the hairstyle, the blaccent, and tattoos all over his face. This screams racist. pic.twitter.com/8zuA51AX5U

— aqila ismail (@aqiqilaa) June 12, 2021

Apooo alex lee?? Yorobun,Penthouse 3 and the cultural appropriation geez

— YyY #freepalastine (@nurysrmli) June 12, 2021

Last night's episode of Penthouse 3 introduces "Alex"... I guess the era of racism and racial stereotypes on Korean TV is still live and kicking.Everything about this is... I just can't. Who thought this was a good idea?pic.twitter.com/VSMFo3iClq

— Raphael Rashid (@koryodynasty) June 12, 2021

Ok. So finally watching Penthouse season 3 episode 2 and I do not like how they portrayed Alex. Like at all. It was just weird and plain wrong.

— ⟭⟬?WINNIE⁷₁₃⁸: BANGTAN DAY?⟬⟭ (@winnie_bts_lvr) June 13, 2021

BRUHHH WTFF HAHAHAHA LOGAN'S BROTHER ALEX ???? also them conversing in english and korean LMAOOO#Penthouse3Ep2 #Penthouse3 pic.twitter.com/B4zUyJGVDN

— 석훈 #Penthouse3 (@PenthouseSubs) June 11, 2021

SBS POSTING THESE STILL CUTS FROM TODAYS EPISODE #Penthouse3Ep2 ???OH HELL NAWWW#Penthouse3 pic.twitter.com/HvBjmziKxz

— penthouse updates! (@Penthouse_UP) June 11, 2021

Ah yes, my final thought of the day. Penthouse 3. Dreadlocks, accents, chains, and black thugs.......Yeah, this is racist. I won't watch.

— Justice for Yeaji, Ye Seul and all Yojas! (@revdralanspanek) June 12, 2021

According to Soompi, both SBS and Park have put out a statement on the controversy.

“Regarding the drama ‘The Penthouse’ character Alex, I’d like to let everyone know that none of the appearances that were driven by the character were falsely intentional to harm, mock, disrespect, or discourage the African-American community. I’d like to apologize to the people who took offense by the character’s appearance,” Park said via his TikTok.

“It was more admiration of the culture than mockery, but now I’m aware that the approach was more CA [cultural appropriation]. It was a wrong attempt for character development.”

“Again, I’d like to apologize to those who took offense; I as a minority myself should’ve known better. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to grow in awareness.”

@_____silverstone_____

Please take time to read.

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SBS also echoed the same sentiment and said it was never their intention to mock a specific race or culture.