Even before its official release, the live-action adaptation of Romance 101 has already been caught in a wave of controversy, with casting choices sparking heated debate across online communities. What initially seemed like a safe pairing—Hwang In-yeop and Cho Yi-hyun—has instead become the center of criticism, as many viewers claim neither actor fits their respective roles.
The strongest backlash has been directed at Hwang In-yeop, who takes on the role of Yoo Yeon, a near-perfect “campus crush” figure in the original webtoon. Known for his flawless visuals, cold demeanor, and quiet charisma, the character is considered an idealized male lead among fans. As a result, the casting announcement left many disappointed, with some bluntly stating that Hwang In-yeop “doesn’t match the visual standard” expected for the role.
Reactions on Korean social media have been particularly harsh, with some netizens even questioning whether the actor should have declined the role altogether. The controversy has also reignited broader skepticism toward the current wave of webtoon adaptations, as audiences increasingly feel that many projects fail to capture the original tone and essence of their source material.
Cho Yi-hyun, cast as female lead Jung Ba-reum, has not escaped criticism either. Her character is portrayed as a rule-abiding, bookish girl who struggles with romance. While she previously gained recognition for her strong and charismatic performance in All of Us Are Dead, this time viewers argue she lacks the natural charm and emotional depth required for a central romantic role. Some comments even describe her acting as stiff, saying she has yet to deliver the “main character vibe” expected from Ba-reum.
Online reactions range from disappointment to outright frustration, with some viewers calling for fewer live-action adaptations altogether. Comments such as “This is why webtoons shouldn’t be adapted” and “The casting already ruined it” highlight the growing divide between fan expectations and production decisions.
Despite the backlash, Romance 101 itself follows a familiar yet engaging storyline centered on Ba-reum’s journey through love. As someone who lives by strict rules but lacks dating experience, she enters a confusing emotional world when she decides to pursue a relationship, particularly with the seemingly cold yet warm-hearted senior Yoo Yeon.
Given the immense popularity of the original webtoon and its idealized character portrayals, the adaptation inevitably faces intense scrutiny. Every detail—from visuals to acting—has been placed under a microscope, amplifying negative reactions even before the first episode airs.
However, as the drama has yet to premiere, public opinion may still shift. With a genre that relies heavily on emotional storytelling, Romance 101 could still win over audiences if the narrative execution and performances manage to resonate beyond initial expectations.
Sources: kenh14