"This is the first time I've seen such a rude Japanese actor"… Sato Takeru faces backlash over informal language and hierarchy comments in Korea.
Japanese actor Sato Takeru is facing criticism from Korean viewers due to his rude behavior. His informal language and comments about hierarchy, which seemed excessive for a first meeting, have become the center of controversy.
Sato Takeru appeared on the YouTube channel "Neighborhood Friend Gangnam" on the 22nd. He visited the filming set as the starring actor while introducing behind-the-scenes details about the Japanese remake of the tvN drama "Marry My Husband."
However, viewers were not pleased from the beginning of the video. Upon his appearance, Sato greeted MC Gangnam with a casual "Arigato (thank you)," and when asked about his age, he stated, "I was born in 1989." When Gangnam replied that he was born in 1987, Sato laughed and said, "Then we're almost classmates." After Gangnam corrected him, saying, "A two-year difference isn't the same age," Sato jokingly said, "I'm born in March, so I attended school with those born in '88," and comparing their birthdates added, "I'm the older one." Gangnam joked, "You keep trying to match me. Let's do well, kid," trying to lighten the atmosphere, but viewer responses remained cold.
Some viewers pointed out, "It's rude to use informal language on a first meeting," "It seems he lacks respect for Korean culture," "He seems intoxicated with himself," and "It's unpleasant that he keeps trying to match himself with someone two years younger." In particular, comments followed stating, "'Arigato' is informal language and not something to say to someone you're meeting for the first time," highlighting Sato's fundamental lack of manners.
Of course, some fans said, "Gangnam was so cheerful that it lightened the mood," and "The two seemed to be getting along, so that could be why," but the majority criticized Sato, saying, "It's impressive that Gangnam accepted it with a smile until the end," and "Even if it's a variety show, there should be boundaries."
What left a bigger disappointment was Sato's attitude, which was completely different from that of Japanese actors who have been consistently loved in Korea. His contrasting behavior has caused disappointment. Earlier, Japanese actor Sakaguchi Kentaro greeted in Korean during his recent visit and displayed politeness and humility in variety shows and interviews, receiving high praise from domestic fans. Akaso Eiji, who gained attention from the movie "366 Days," also increased his likability with his bright and courteous language and considerate demeanor.
In contrast, although Sato Takeru has long been popular among Korean fans as the "national boyfriend," this recent behavior has led to widespread disappointment.
Sato was born in 1989 and debuted in 2006 with the drama "Kamen Rider Den-O," and has since worked on numerous projects, including "Rookies," "Bloody Monday," "Secret," and "Love is Riding the Rain." He particularly gained immense popularity beyond Japan to Asia by playing the lead role of "Himura Kenshin" in the "Rurouni Kenshin" film series. Recently, he has been expanding his activities in Korea through Japan-Korea joint content and broadcasts, but this controversy is expected to become a burdensome label for him.
Criticism continues that it is fundamental to respect the emotions of other countries and to have courteous behavior, even considering cultural differences.
[Photo] Video capture
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