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MBC pulls drama teaser after backlash over cultural insensitivity

Published: 22 Aug. 2025, 08:45 Updated: 22 Aug. 2025, 14:54

A composite of scenes from the teaser for broadcaster MBC's upcoming drama series ″To The Moon,″ which online users accused of mocking Middle Eastern culture [SCREEN CAPTURE]

MBC has deleted a teaser for its upcoming drama “To the Moon,” and issued an apology, after being accused of mocking Middle Eastern culture.

In a statement Thursday, MBC admitted that it had failed to account for the way in which the clip, modeled after 1980s and 1990s ice cream commercials, might be viewed in other cultural contexts. “We have since removed the video in question,” the network said. “We will be more mindful and cautious going forward to ensure no discomfort is caused.”

The first teaser for “To The Moon” was unveiled on Wednesady, featuring actors Lee Sun-bin, Ra Mi-ran, Jo A-ram and Kim Young-dae dressed in Arabian-inspired costumes dancing comically to upbeat music. The video was a parody of a well-known ice cream commercial that included the phrase, “That looks strange.”

Following its release, some overseas viewers criticized the teaser for lacking cultural sensitivity toward the Middle East.

“To The Moon” follows the story of three working-class women, struggling to make ends meet, who turn to cryptocurrency investment as a means of survival. The drama premieres on Sept. 19.

This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
BY KIM EUN-BIN [[email protected]]