'Reply 1988' faces controversy over smoking scene

tvN's 'Reply 1988' is in some hot water regarding a recent smoking scene, which has been reviewed by a subcommittee of the Korea Communications Standards Commission on December 9.

tvN had explained the scene, before the subcommittee met, with, "It was in order to express the strong character of female college student Sung Bo Ra, who has strong ambitions to participate in the demonstration and make firm claims.  We don't have any plans as of yet to edit the scene in question for reruns, but we will decide after the results of the KCSC deliberation."

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However, after the subcommittee met, a rep announced, "Sung Bo Ra's smoking scene in 'Reply 1988' was introduced to the subcommittee of the KCSC as an important matter today, so the members have unanimously 'recommended' through its administrative guidance the removal [of the scene]."

The rep told Newsen, "'Reply 1988' was recommended a course of action.  There was no exertion of the law.  We partially understand the need for the scene in consideration of the time period the production is set in, but you could consider it an administrative guidance that asks for more prudence in the future."

What are your thoughts? Is censorship getting out of hand lately?