On January 1, tvN DRAMA’s official YouTube channel released a video titled [2026 tvN ID] Joy Lives on tvN, created to celebrate the network’s 20th anniversary. The description read, “Our 20 years, and the countless moments of joy we’ve shared together. Please look forward to an even more exciting tvN in 2026 as we mark our 20th anniversary.”
The video showcased many of tvN’s most iconic productions, including dramas such as Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, Lovely Runner, My Mister, Reply 1997, Hospital Playlist, and Bon Appétit, Your Majesty, as well as variety programs like Grandpas Over Flowers, You Quiz on the Block, and Three Meals a Day. Together, these titles represented the network’s history and signature content.
However, some viewers expressed disappointment over notable omissions. In particular, attention quickly turned to Queen of Tears, the Kim Soo Hyun–Kim Ji Won–led drama that recorded tvN’s highest-ever ratings at 24.9%. Despite its immense popularity and commercial success, the series was nowhere to be found in the anniversary video, leaving many puzzled.
This omission led to speculation that the absence may be connected to controversies surrounding lead actor Kim Soo Hyun. In March of last year, Kim Soo Hyun became embroiled in allegations claiming he had been in a six-year relationship with the late actress Kim Sae Ron starting when she was a minor. Kim Soo Hyun’s agency strongly denied the accusations and announced legal action against the YouTube channel Garo Sero Research Institute, which had been representing the position of Kim Sae Ron’s family.
Despite these denials, calls for his withdrawal from projects and boycott movements followed. Kim Soo Hyun subsequently disappeared from several advertising campaigns, and the release schedule for his upcoming Disney+ original series Knock-Off was put on hold. Since holding an emergency press conference on March 31 last year, he has not made any public appearances and is currently engaged in ongoing legal disputes with Kim Sae Ron’s family and the YouTube channel involved.
Online reactions to tvN’s anniversary video were mixed. Some netizens commented, “It’s hard to understand why the highest-rated drama in tvN history was left out,” and “At least they could have included Kim Ji Won’s scenes.” Others criticized the complete exclusion, saying it felt excessive. On the other hand, some viewers responded more calmly, stating, “It’s easy to guess why it was omitted,” or noting that Queen of Tears was not the only well-loved title missing from the video.
As discussions continue, the controversy has reignited debate over how broadcasters handle successful works when cast members become involved in personal scandals—and whether it is fair for a drama’s achievements, and its other actors, to be overshadowed as a result.
Sources: Naver