KUALA LUMPUR: After only two episodes aired, Korean drama series Joseon Exorcist got axed.
The reason, its "historical distortions" which appeared "too Chinese" and "villified historical figures" made many South Korean viewers see red.
Entertainment portal Koreaboo reported today that the semi-historical drama which aired on South Korean television network SBS last Monday, faced a massive backlash from viewers.
As a result, SBS pulled the plug on the 16-episode horror series early today.
Joseon Exorcist, set in 15th century Korea during the reign of King Taejong of the Joseon kingdom (1392-1910), stars Jang Dong-Yoon, Park Sung-Hoon and Kam Woo-Sung, and tells the story of princes who fought evil spirits.
Viewers were incensed when they realised that the king played by Kam was portrayed as a cruel dictator after being possessed.
In addition, his son Prince Chungnyung played by Jang was depicted as a playboy eating Chinese food and drinking Chinese wine in a tavern.
Viewers also complained that the props of the royal palace and tavern looked very Chinese, and filed complaints with the Korea Communications Standards Commission.
More than 160,000 people signed a petition addressed to South Korean President Moon Jae-In, calling for the show to be cancelled.
About 20 companies withdrew their advertisements in the drama including Samsung and LG Household due to the backlash.
Koreans are sensitive about China especially over claims that the Korean dish kimchi and Korean national costume hanbok originated in China.
In a statement today, SBS said that "in recognition of the seriousness of the situation, we have decided to terminate the contract to purchase the broadcasting rights for Joseon Exorcist and cancel the airing."
The production company behind the drama series had completed filming 80 per cent of the series.