Is South Korea Really Racist? Koreans Explain Why “The Little Mermaid” Tanked In Local Box Offices

Disney’s 2023 version of The Little Mermaid with Halle Bailey has not been doing so well in South Korea. The box office numbers are failing to live up to the usual hype for Disney remakes. Upon hearing the news, many international audience members were quick to point fingers at South Korean audiences, accusing the latter of racism.

"The Little Mermaid" is dramatically under-performing in China and South Korea amid racist commentary and criticism.

The film has grossed less than $5 million in each country since it was released in late May.@jadynbsham @michelletoh_ @imgawonbaehttps://t.co/jYlBVI9mUF pic.twitter.com/GwUXogZ3SK

— Kristie Lu Stout (@klustout) June 8, 2023

While South Korean audiences did indeed express surprise when Halle Bailey was casted for the role, many were willing to wait for the movie to be screened before passing further judgement.

After the movie aired, Asian Boss took to the streets to question South Koreans about the matter. They asked Koreans what they thought of the narrative that the movie flopped because of racism.

Korean explaining why Woke movies are failing so often in South Korea

pic.twitter.com/6HDvqrrwit

— Wall Street Silver (@WallStreetSilv) June 15, 2023

Koreans felt that the movie itself did not live up to expectations, casting aside. Although the more negative reviews from Koreans have been sensationalized in the media, a quick look on the CGV booking site revealed that most found the movie a fun watch, enjoying the OST.

• Although it’s not the ending I previously knew of… I watched it without expectations. The songs were good.
• It’s fun. I loved the songs.
• The fantastical world under the sea was fun for the eyes but I think the storyline and casting did not live up to expectations. I was excited because I watched the animated version in theaters when I was younger and was touched, but I was a little disappointed. But the songs were good anyway.
• The songs were so so good.

CGV is the most popular movie theater chain in South Korea.

• It’s passably fun to watch.
• It’s watchable. My kids loved it.
• My kids loved watching it.
• I didn’t watch the animated version when I was young and perhaps that’s why it wasn’t bad for me. I was worried that the mermaid would disappear into foam at the end.

Most reviews from the public barely mention the race or casting of the female lead. Reviews focused on the music, and the plot.

Despite the racist narrative served by international media, some netizens have stepped up to defend Korean audiences.

‘The Little Mermaid’ tanks in China and South Korea amid racist backlash from some viewers'

Very one sided conclusion from CNN. There's been a lot of movies with black leads that have had a warm reception in Korea. The movie didn't flop because of racehttps://t.co/wC1AV2GwCh pic.twitter.com/JSWBvk2CVR

— Kimchi Premium (@kimchipump) June 6, 2023

While no one can deny that certain audience members have shown racism with inappropriate comments about the casting, is it really fair to draw the conclusion that the entire nation is racist simply because the movie did not do well in box offices?

You can watch the video by Asian Boss below.