Netflix Korea has sparked conversation with its latest promotional video commemorating the March 1st Movement, particularly regarding its editing choices involving actor Cho Jin Woong.
On March 1, the platform released a special tribute video with the poignant message: “Because of them, we live in today’s spring.” The montage featured powerful scenes from historical K-content, including Netflix‘s own Gyeongseong Creature Season 2, as well as films like Song of the Bandits, Harbin, A Resistance, and the blockbuster Assassination. The video highlighted moments where characters cried out “Long live Korean independence,” honoring the spirit of the historic day.
However, viewers were quick to notice a specific alteration in a clip from the movie Assassination. The scene originally depicts the characters Chu Sang Ok (played by Cho Jin Woong), An Ok Yun (Jun Ji Hyun), and Hwang Dok Sam (Choi Deok Moon) posing solemnly for a commemorative photo in front of the national flag.
In the version released by Netflix Korea, the frame was intentionally cropped. The new edit focuses solely on Jun Ji Hyun and Choi Deok Moon, leaving Cho Jin Woong almost entirely cut out of the shot, visible only as a sliver on the edge of the frame.
This editing decision is attributed to the actor’s public downfall. Last year, Cho Jin Woong announced his retirement and the suspension of all entertainment activities following the resurfacing of a controversy regarding a juvenile criminal record. It appears the streaming giant chose to remove him from the patriotic content to focus on the message of the holiday without distraction.
