Leading Actress’s Intense Kiss With Much Younger Co-Star Sparks Major Backlash

Jin Kyung and Choi Hyun Wook are facing controversy over a steamy makeout scene in the new thriller Notes from the Last Row.

The scene went viral on X (formerly Twitter), sparking heated debates. The drama stars 24-year-old Choi as Lee Kang, a mysterious engineering student, and 54-year-old Jin Kyung as Jo Hyeon Suk, the wife of a literature professor. Their characters’ relationship involves a disturbing power inversion, fitting the show’s dark thriller vibe.

The controversy began as viewers reacted to the 30-year age gap between the actors during the intense scene. Some fans found it deeply unsettling and said it crossed a line.

“No hate to either actor they’re professionals. I just personally find a 30-year age gap in intimate scenes uncomfortable to watch.”
— SuA (@Mo_onsyulle)

“30 years age gap btw?? This is WEIRD. So weird.”
— -_- (@notearthyhuman)

“This drama was in my watchlist but now I don’t wanna watch it anymore wtf!!! This is weird af”
— Gaja (@Gaja2273)

Others slammed the backlash for a clear double standard. Many pointed out older male actors routinely do romantic scenes with much younger actresses without criticism.

“Coming back to this just to say…there are sooo many dramas with much MUCH older men being paired with a 20 something year old actress and no one makes a peep but the minute it’s the opposite you got your pitchforks ready…you are a VICTIM”
— viv (@infinitesvteen)

“it’s only the problem when women is older ig”
— su (@ohyeahju)

Many defended the scene as part of the show’s unsettling narrative about obsession and manipulation.

“why is everyone overreacting?? they’re just doing their job wtf, ‘oh but the 30y age gap’ they’re not dating irl IT’S JUST ACTING omg are you guys 12?”
— mary ꪆৎ (@slvtwook)

““it’s making me uncomfortable” “30 year age gap is weird” bitch that’s the whole point…. he’s a sociopath the whole series is uncomfortable”
— sonya 𓈒 ︎︎ ࣪ ˖ (@shseful)