Disney+’s mystery thriller “Bloody Flower” has sparked debate—not only for its moral dilemma-driven storyline but also for the performance of lead actress Keum Sae-rok .
In the 8-episode original series, Keum Sae-rok plays prosecutor Cha Yi Yeon, a privileged and success-driven figure determined to secure a death sentence for serial killer Lee Woo Gyeom (Ryeoun). The character stands in direct opposition to lawyer Park Han Joon (Sung Dong Il), who seeks to keep the killer alive in hopes of saving his terminally ill daughter.
The drama, which premiered on February 4, centers on a chilling premise: a serial killer who murdered 17 criminals claims his actions were meant to cure incurable diseases. The series raises ethical questions about justice, morality, and whether saving lives can justify murder.
However, much of the online conversation has focused on Keum Sae-rok’s acting rather than the show’s philosophical themes.
Because OTT platforms do not disclose traditional ratings, online reviews and word-of-mouth play a crucial role in shaping a series’ success. In this case, criticism of Keum Sae-rok’s performance has reportedly overshadowed the drama’s core message.
Viewers have pointed out that her delivery often sounds as if she is “reading from a textbook,” maintaining the same tone and facial expression throughout multiple episodes. Even in scenes requiring emotional shifts or dynamic reactions, critics argue that she fails to vary her rhythm or respond naturally to her co-stars.
When acting opposite Ryeoun, who presents a layered portrayal of a morally ambiguous killer, and veteran actor Sung Dong Il, known for his grounded gravitas, Keum Sae-rok’s performance has been described as rigid and disconnected.
Some courtroom scenes have also drawn attention for abrupt vocal shifts and exaggerated gestures, leading to commentary that the character’s portrayal feels overly stylized rather than realistic.
More concerning for critics is that these issues appear consistently across the first six episodes rather than being isolated moments. As a result, Cha Yi Yeon reportedly feels one-dimensional despite being introduced as a sharp and conviction-driven prosecutor.
Online discussion spaces have even raised the possibility of “miscasting.” While audience preferences vary, the repeated criticism has intensified scrutiny on Keum Sae-rok’s technical skills, particularly her diction and vocal projection.
Keum Sae-rok debuted in the 2015 film The Silenced and has since built her filmography through dramas such as “The Fiery Priest,” “Youth of May,” “The Interest of Love,” and “Iron Family.” However, recurring critiques about pronunciation and delivery have resurfaced in this leading role.
With the final two episodes scheduled for release on February 25, attention now turns to whether the performance will shift in the concluding chapters. Regardless of the outcome, the controversy has become a significant talking point surrounding “Bloody Flower.”
Sources: The Fact,Disney+