Yoo Ah-in's Role in Dystopian Drama Raises Questions Ahead of Release

Captured from the official trailer for “Goodbye Earth”

▲ Captured from the official trailer for “Goodbye Earth”

Netflix is set to launch its original dystopian drama series "Goodbye Earth" on April 26, featuring actor Yoo Ah-in in a pivotal role. Yoo, aged 37, is currently facing legal proceedings related to allegations of drug use and is scheduled to appear in court for the fourth round of hearings.

In the recently released trailer for "Goodbye Earth," Yoo's presence is notably absent, with the focus instead placed on the character Se-kyung, portrayed by Ahn Eun-jin, a middle school teacher embarking on a mission to rescue people stranded on the Korean Peninsula as an asteroid threat looms. The series is based on the Japanese fantasy novel "Shumatsu no Furu" by Kotaro Isaka.
 

▲ Captured from the official trailer for “Goodbye Earth”

While Netflix typically offers media previews for upcoming series, previews for "Goodbye Earth" were not provided, and Yoo's name was omitted from the list of actors presented to the media. According to a Netflix official, scenes featuring Yoo were edited out of the series following discussions among the director and staff to preserve the integrity of the storyline.

Originally slated for release at the end of 2023, "Goodbye Earth" faced delays due to legal proceedings against Yoo. Despite criticisms regarding the timing of the series' release amidst the ongoing legal issues, some argue for its release, citing the efforts of the production staff and other actors involved.

▲ Actor Yoo Ah-in / Courtesy of UAA

This situation isn't unprecedented for Netflix, as seen with the 2023 action series "Bloodhounds," where episodes had to be rewritten following lead actor Kim Sae-ron's drunk driving charges. Despite the controversy, "Bloodhounds" performed well on Netflix charts globally.

Industry experts suggest that the decision to release works featuring actors embroiled in scandals reflects changes in the global entertainment landscape, with Korean content gaining international prominence. However, concerns remain about the impact of Yoo's legal issues on the global reception of "Goodbye Earth."

Meanwhile, the releases of Yoo's other films, "Hi.5" and "The Match," have been postponed, highlighting potential challenges in the local theater market amidst ongoing controversies.

▲ Poster for “Goodbye Earth” / Courtesy of Netflix

Sayart

Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com