Disney+’s mystery thrillerBloody Flower” has sparked debate, not only for its plot based on moral dilemmas, but also for the performance of lead actress Keum Sae-rok.
In the original 8-episode series, Keum Sae-rok plays prosecutor Cha Yi Yeon, a privileged and success-oriented figure determined to secure a death sentence for serial killer Lee Woo Gyeom (Ryeoun). The character is in direct opposition to lawyer Park Han Joon (Sung Dong Il), who tries to keep the killer alive in hopes of saving his terminally ill daughter.
The drama, which premiered Feb. 4, centers on a chilling premise: A serial killer who killed 17 criminals claims his actions were intended 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.
Since OTT platforms do not disclose traditional ratings, online reviews and word of mouth play a crucial role in determining the success of a series. In this case, criticism of Keum Sae-rok’s performance would have overshadowed the central message of the drama.
Viewers have pointed out that his speech often sounds like he is “reading from a textbook”, maintaining the same tone and facial expression throughout multiple episodes. Even in scenes that require emotional shifts or dynamic reactions, critics say he fails to vary the pace or respond naturally to his co-stars.
When acting alongside Ryeoun, who presents a layered portrayal of a morally ambiguous assassin, and veteran actor Sung Dong Il, known for his seriousness, Keum Sae-rok’s performance has been described as stiff and disjointed.
Some courtroom scenes have also attracted attention for abrupt vocal changes and exaggerated gestures, leading to comments that the character portrayal seems overly stylized rather than realistic.
More troubling to critics is that these issues appear consistently across the first six episodes rather than being isolated moments. As a result, Cha Yi Yeon feels one-dimensional despite being presented as a sharp and determined prosecutor.
Online discussion spaces have even raised the possibility of “miscasting.” Although audience preferences vary, repeated criticism has intensified scrutiny over Keum Sae-rok’s technical abilities, particularly his diction and vocal projection.
Keum Sae-rok debuted in the 2015 film The Silenced and has since built his filmography through dramas such as “The ardent priest,” “May Youth,” “The interest of love,” AND “Iron Family.” However, recurring criticisms of pronunciation and pronunciation have resurfaced in this prominent role.
With the final two episodes scheduled for release on February 25, attention now turns to whether the performance will change in the final chapters. Regardless of the outcome, the controversy has become a significant talking point regarding “Bloody Flower.”
Sources: The Fact, Disney+
