Netflix apologizes over subtitles containing disputed sea name in 'The 8 Show'

A poster of "The 8 Show" / Courtesy of Netflix

Netflix has issued an apology for labeling the East Sea as the Sea of Japan in the subtitles of the series "The 8 Show." The problematic naming echoes previous errors in "Time to Hunt" (2020) and "Bride of the Water God" (2017).

A Netflix official said that the original series "The 8 Show" had "mislabeled" the East Sea as the Sea of Japan in its Spanish subtitles. "We have identified the incorrect labeling in some language subtitles and are in the process of correcting it. We are also reviewing similar instances to ensure accuracy in future translations."

Prof. Seo Kyoung-duk of Sungshin Women's University pointed out that in a scene where Ryu Jun-Yeol sings the Korean national anthem, the Spanish (Latin America) subtitles labeled the East Sea as the Sea of Japan.

Emphasizing Netflix's global influence, Seo urged the company to amend the subtitles as swiftly as possible "to prevent global viewers from being misinformed."

"The 8 Show," released on May 17, revolves around eight individuals trapped in a secretive, multi-level space where they participate in a tempting but dangerous game to earn money over time.

This incident has brought renewed attention to previous controversies involving Netflix's subtitles. In 2020, the movie "Time to Hunt" faced a backlash from Koreans for labeling the East Sea as the Sea of Japan in its German subtitles.

Netflix apologized for not thoroughly reviewing the subtitles and promptly amended the subtitles.

Similarly, in "Bride of the Water God," the French subtitles labeled the East Sea as The Sea of Japan. Last year, Netflix also faced criticism for referring to "kimchi" as "pao cai," a Chinese pickled vegetable dish, leading to outcry over cultural misrepresentation.

Seo said that global companies must exercise greater caution regarding sensitive issues in different countries.

The issue over the naming of the body of water between the Korean Peninsula and the islands of Japan stems from long-disputed territorial claims by governments on both sides of the sea.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, sister publication of The Korea times, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.