The upcoming Korean film PROJECT Y is gaining attention for all the wrong reasons. Starring popular actresses Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo, the film is set to premiere at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). However, Korean netizens are already calling for its boycott.
Rather than celebrating the international recognition, many online are criticising the film’s concept, themes, and casting choices.
What IsPROJECT YReally About?
PROJECT Y is an R-rated crime noir that dives into the underbelly of Seoul’s Gangnam district. The story follows two women trapped in the adult entertainment industry, who plan a dangerous heist to steal ₩8 billion in smuggled gold.
Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo play lead roles as women struggling to escape a grim life by risking everything.
The movie delves into themes like desperation, exploitation, and greed, aiming for a gritty, realistic tone. Yet, Korean audiences feel the concept is tired and outdated.
Project Y (Credits: Plus M Entertainment)
A Familiar & Problematic Premise?
Many netizens feel that PROJECT Y is yet another example of the Korean film industry relying on “edgy” tropes for attention. The portrayal of hwa-ryu-gye women (a euphemism for sex workers) has struck a nerve.
Some argue the film glamorises or trivialises a harsh reality many women face. Others believe it repeats overused narratives involving gangsters, sex workers, and illegal money.
Critics are asking: Is this really what Korean cinema should be exporting to international festivals?
Han Soo Hee’s still from Project Y (Credits: X)
Why the Casting Is Stirring More Drama
Another reason for the film’s negative buzz is the casting of Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo, two actresses currently surrounded by public controversy.
Han So-hee, known for her roles in My Name and Nevertheless , has been in the spotlight due to her rumoured relationship with Ryu Jun-yeol, sparking drama involving his ex, Hyeri. Her defensive responses to public criticism have only fueled the backlash.
Jeon Jong-seo, meanwhile, has her baggage. She has been accused of past school bullying, has made blunt statements online, and has faced allegations of being disrespectful to the media and fans.
“Problematic Pairing” or Strategic Casting?
Some netizens say casting these two “controversial” stars in an adult-themed, provocative role is tone-deaf.
The idea of two “problematic” actresses playing sex workers is being viewed as either a publicity stunt or a poor attempt at bold storytelling.
A viral comment summed up the sentiment:
“They’re trying to look ‘cool’ and ‘gritty’ but just come off as insensitive and desperate.”
Still, others argue that this kind of role aligns with their on-screen strengths—both actresses are known for playing bold, damaged characters.
Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo’s for PROJECT Y Post Photoshoot (Credits: X)
Netizen Reactions: “Ban This Film”
- “Why are we still making movies about sex workers and gangsters?”
- “This is why Korean cinema is declining.”
- “Vote to ban this movie. Stop glamorising trauma.”
- “Are women only interesting if they suffer or sell their bodies?”
This raises a larger debate about the representation of women in Korean media. Is the film industry still stuck in outdated, harmful tropes?
TIFF Invite vs Korean Backlash
Despite the home-country criticism, PROJECT Y has been officially selected to premiere at TIFF 2024, signalling that global audiences or festival programmers see the potential artistic merit in the film.
Some defenders of the film say that the gritty plot and raw performances could resonate on the international stage, much like past Korean noir films that gained global recognition.
But in Korea, the film’s artistic value is being overshadowed by the loud calls for accountability.
Should Art Push Boundaries—or Be Responsible?
At the heart of the PROJECT Y controversy lies a growing cultural tension: Can films still push boundaries in storytelling without crossing ethical lines?
Korean audiences are no longer passively consuming films—they’re demanding sensitivity, responsibility, and progress in storytelling. Especially when the subject matter is this raw and real.
Casting choices, narrative tropes, and timing all play a part in how a film is received. And right now, PROJECT Y seems to be striking the wrong chords at home.
Han So-Hee and Jeon Jong-Seo’s for PROJECT Y Post Photoshoot (Credits: X)
WillPROJECT YSink or Surprise?
Only time will tell how PROJECT Y performs both domestically and internationally. Will it silence its critics with solid performances and compelling storytelling? Or will the negative buzz drown out any chance of success?
One thing is clear: the Korean public is no longer afraid to challenge the intent behind what’s presented as entertainment.
About the Film
PROJECT Y is an upcoming R-rated crime drama that stars Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo in lead roles. The story unfolds in the gritty underground world of Gangnam, where two women working in the adult entertainment industry plot to steal 8 billion KRW in smuggled gold in a desperate bid to change their lives.
The film is set to premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), marking its global debut amid ongoing controversy.
Fans of One-Punch Man have been eagerly waiting for updates on Season 3, and now they finally have something new to get excited about. The original creator of the series, known simply as ONE, has teased that the upcoming season will include a storyline that is “unique to the anime.” This announcement has sparked major curiosity across the anime community, raising questions about what changes or surprises may lie ahead.
So far, the anime has largely followed the manga’s story arcs. Season 1 adapted the early chapters and introduced viewers to Saitama’s strange world and rising threats. Season 2 focused heavily on the introduction of the Hero Association and the growing menace of the Monster Association. While fans had mixed reactions to the animation style of Season 2, most agreed the story itself remained strong.
Now, with Season 3 in production, ONE has revealed in a brief statement that some parts of the new season will not be found in the original manga. Instead, the anime will include “original scenes and ideas” that are being developed specifically for the show.
One-Punch Man Franchise (Credits: Crunchyroll)
ONE-PUNCH MAN Season 3 to Feature Original Storyline Not Found in Manga
This announcement opens up many possibilities. It’s unclear exactly how far the anime will go in terms of diverging from the manga, but the use of the phrase “unique to the anime” suggests more than just filler content or minor side stories. Fans are now speculating that we may see completely new battles, characters, or developments that deepen the existing world, or perhaps even take it in a different direction.
One reason for this move could be timing. The manga is still ongoing, and while it has covered much of the Monster Association arc, the story has expanded in complex ways. Including original anime content could give the production team more flexibility with pacing while giving longtime fans something fresh. This also isn’t the first time anime creators have taken this approach. Popular shows like Fullmetal Alchemist, Naruto, and Attack on Titan have all included original content or anime-exclusive scenes to support pacing, world-building, or character development.
Still, the news has sparked mixed feelings. Some fans are excited to see new content and trust ONE’s storytelling abilities. Others are cautious, worried that stepping away from the manga might disrupt the flow of the original narrative. Many still remember how filler arcs in other series didn’t always land well.
What’s promising, however, is that this announcement comes directly from ONE. Since he’s involved in the creation of the anime, fans can take comfort in knowing that any original material will still match the tone, humor, and spirit of the world he created. This isn’t a case of the studio inventing a story without the creator’s input, it’s a collaboration, which raises hopes that the additions will feel natural and meaningful.
Creator ONE Confirms Anime-Exclusive Plot for Upcoming Season of ONE-PUNCH MAN
As of now, no release date for Season 3 has been officially announced, but production is underway. A teaser visual released earlier this year showed Garou, the fierce human villain who continues to evolve and challenge the ideas of heroism. With the Monster Association storyline still unfolding, fans expect that Season 3 will focus heavily on Garou’s battles and transformation, as well as the larger war between heroes and monsters.
If the original anime scenes tie into Garou’s arc or expand on background characters, they could provide deeper insights into the world’s moral questions. One of One-Punch Man’s most interesting elements is how it questions the definition of strength, heroism, and justice, through not only Saitama, but also through characters like Genos, King, and Garou.
One-Punch Man Franchise (Credits: Crunchyroll)
In the end, Season 3 is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious chapters in the anime’s history. With improved production value promised, a popular arc in focus, and now original content added by the creator himself, the excitement is only growing.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of the manga or someone who started with the anime, this season looks ready to offer a fresh yet faithful continuation of Saitama’s story. And while he may still defeat enemies with a single punch, the journey leading to those punches is about to get a lot more interesting.
You can watch One-Punch Man on Crunchyroll .
One Punch Man follows Saitama, a hero so powerful he defeats any enemy with a single punch, leaving him bored and searching for a true challenge. He joins the Hero Association and faces increasingly strange and powerful foes, while remaining largely unrecognized by the world. The story parodies typical superhero and shonen tropes with satire and brilliant action.
