"Those people were 1 in a 100"- Love in the Big City star Nam Yoon-su addresses alleged homophobic comments amid massive backlash and protests

At a press conference held on October 16, 2024, for TVING's drama Love in the Big City, actor Nam Yoon-su addressed the controversy surrounding the show's LGBTQIA+ themes. Speaking to the press, Nam, who played the main character Go Young, candidly discussed the backlash he received for playing a gay character. The actor, however, remained unfazed by the criticism.

“I didn’t care about them. I just laughed it off when I got malicious comments" Nam remarked. "Those people were actually 1 in a 100. I got a lot of messages of support."

Previously, after promoting the trailer on his Instagram, Nam received a mix of negative comments alongside supportive messages.

However, many fans had eagerly anticipated the drama after Jin Ho Eun and Nam Yoon Su were cast as Kyu Ho and Go Young, respectively. The show, being a new BL (Boy Love) K-drama, generated significant buzz online, particularly within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Nam Yoon Su’s decision to take on an LGBTQIA+ role, as a mainstream actor supporting diverse representation, also garnered praise.

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Nam Yoon-su addresses controversy at Love in the Big City press conference

The press conference for TVING's drama Love in the Big City was held on October 16, 2024, at CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall in Seoul. Lead actor Nam Yoon-su attended the event, along with cast members Oh Hyun-kyung, Kwon Hyuk, Na Hyun-woo, Jin Ho-eun, and Kim Won-joong. They discussed their roles and the production.

Nam Yoon-su talked about playing Go Young, whose love story unfolded from his 20s to 30s. He stated that he felt no pressure to take on the role.

"I didn't feel any pressure or thoughts of not being able to do it while watching 'Love in the Big City,'" he said. "I wasn't worried because I had seen the original work, which had such great quality and artistry."

He also expressed his confidence in the directors, saying:

"I had confidence in the directors because they have their own directing skills and elegance." He added, "I chose this work because I wanted to show the kind of acting I want to do and can do well while acting myself."

The conference also featured writer Park Sang-young, who adapted his best-selling novel into the script. Directors Heo Jin-ho, Hong Ji-young, Son Tae-gyeom, and Kim Se-in were present as well. Each directed two episodes of the eight-episode series.

Based on Park Sang Young's novel, Love in the Big City follows Go Yeong, who deeply loves Gyu Ho but is ultimately forced to let him go.

After Gyu Ho's departure, Go Yeong takes a spontaneous trip to Thailand with a stranger, where he reflects on memories and grows personally. The story explores love, denial, and self-discovery.

The drama stars Nam Yoon-su as Go Yeong and Jin Ho-eun as Gyu Ho, with supporting roles from Lee Soo-kyung, Lee Se-he, Oh Hyun-kyung, and Kwon Hyuk.

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Religious group protests Love in the big City, leading to trailer removal and fan outrage

On October 14, 2024, reports emerged of a religious group protesting the K-drama Love in the Big City, citing its focus on a homosexual love story. The group rallied in Seoul, demanding that the South Korean Ministry of Tourism, Sports, and Culture halt the drama's release and stop using taxpayer money on "controversial" content.

They also targeted CJeS, accusing the company of "supporting a drama that glorifies and encourages homosexuality" and called for its cancellation.

In light of the controversy, writer Park Sang-young announced that TVING, the production company, had removed the trailers and halted promotional activities in response to the backlash.

This decision, prompted by complaints from the religious group, sparked outrage among fans. Many took to social media to express their frustration and concern over the interference with the drama’s release.

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Love in the Big City is set to premiere on TVING on October 21, 2024.