Netflix's new K-drama, 'My Sweet Mobster,' starring Korean actor Jung Hae-in (丁海寅), is stirring controversy even before its premiere. As details of the plot have emerged, many netizens are criticizing the series for allegedly packaging "emotional manipulation" as romantic love, calling it unsettling rather than romantic. The discussion has quickly gained traction across social media platforms.
'My Sweet Mobster' is a romantic comedy starring Jung Hae-in and Han Sun-hwa (韓善伙), scheduled to premiere on Netflix on August 7, 2026. The story follows prosecutor Go Ji-won (played by Han Sun-hwa), who loses her memory in an accident while investigating a major crime syndicate. She then encounters Jang Tae-ha (played by Jung Hae-in), a former boxing champion now entangled in the gangster world. Jang Tae-ha recognizes Go Ji-won as his first love and, to protect her, falsely tells the amnesiac woman that he is her boyfriend. The two begin living together, with Go Ji-won remaining unaware of her true identity and past.
Despite Netflix categorizing the drama as a romantic comedy, many viewers expressed their discomfort after the plot was revealed. They argue that the male lead exploiting the female lead's amnesia and deceiving her into a relationship is not romantic but rather a disturbing premise.
Netizens have flooded comment sections with criticism, stating: "He tricks her into thinking he's her boyfriend after she loses her memory and wants to date her? How 'romantic,' not creepy at all." Another commented, "Using someone's amnesia for emotional manipulation—how is this love? It's truly bizarre!" A third user added, "Putting aside the actor currently embroiled in controversy, a man suddenly appearing and claiming to be a woman's boyfriend after she loses her memory? Isn't that the start of a psychological thriller, not a romantic drama?"
The discussion quickly spread across social media, with many users believing that the drama's portrayal of emotional manipulation as love is not only unconvincing but also risks promoting problematic values.
Furthermore, some netizens have resurfaced Jung Hae-in's past public support for Kim Soo-hyun (金秀賢) during the controversy involving the late Kim Sae-ron (金賽綸), stating that this makes them even less interested in 'My Sweet Mobster.' Comments included: "It's disgusting how this kind of behavior is constantly romanticized in dramas, especially when the actor supported someone controversial. I can't watch it." Another wrote, "Seeing Jung Hae-in now just makes me uncomfortable." A third comment read, "A work starring a 'supporter of a controversial figure' that develops a romance by exploiting the female lead's amnesia? It's truly creepy, and I have no desire to watch it."
However, another group of netizens believes that the official plot summary alone is insufficient to judge the entire work's direction. They argue that evaluation should wait until the drama officially airs to avoid premature conclusions.
In fact, Korean YouTuber and entrepreneur Jang Eun-hyun (張恩鉉) recently revealed that when the Kim Soo-hyun controversy first erupted, Jung Hae-in was one of the few celebrities who did not immediately distance himself from the actor. Jang stated that while many celebrities unfollowed Kim Soo-hyun's social media accounts, Jung Hae-in continued to follow him, intending to praise his loyalty to a friend.
However, Jang Eun-hyun's remarks did not receive widespread approval. When the content was reposted on international social media platforms, it sparked even greater backlash, with many netizens questioning Jung Hae-in's values and stance, leading to this past incident being revisited and discussed once more.
