Penthouse 3 under fire for racist character casting. The new character, Alex played by actor Park Eun Seok, was introduced in the latest episode of Penthouse 3. Alex is shown as Logan Lee’s twin brother. Alex’s appearance in the drama hints that Logan Lee might not have died at the end of season 2 after all.
BIG BIG PLOT TWIST LOGAN HAVE A TWIN BROTHER!#Penthouse3Ep2 pic.twitter.com/jqSCAUm8Wa
— pia☁︎ (@Arachoi___) June 11, 2021
SBS POSTING THESE STILL CUTS FROM TODAYS EPISODE #Penthouse3Ep2 ???
OH HELL NAWWW#Penthouse3 pic.twitter.com/HvBjmziKxz— penthouse updates! (@Penthouse_UP) June 11, 2021
Alex, who has returned from the US, spoke in African- American Vernacular English and also sported dreadlocks. This characterisation has irked many fans online, especially those from the African American community. Alex’s appearance was termed a cultural appropriation.
SBS Drama, the channel where the show airs, further came under fire for posting stills of Alex from the episode aired on June 11. Fans took to Twitter to express their anger and disappointment at the show and its makers, for making fun of their culture.
After watching #Penthouse3Ep2, we have to talk about the introduction of Alex Lee.
The blatant cultural appropriation is unforgiveable and it is even more disappointing that the Penthouse staff as well as Park Eunseok himself allowed this scene be filmed.
— Bada, Eugene & Shoo (@sesimyourgirl) June 12, 2021
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Actor Park Eun Seok has issued an apology to the fans for the portrayal of Alex Lee. He said that the character was “more admiration” than a mockery of the culture. He apologised to the fans for hurting their sentiments.
Park Eun Seok's apology on TikTok (@_____silverstone_____ )#Penthouse3Ep2 pic.twitter.com/RnU8EEMgyh
— Fa⁰³ ❧ (@MyKDramaPOV) June 12, 2021
https://twitter.com/isna0326/status/1403731220022796292?s=20
This is the first time that the drama is under fire for racist representation. What are your thoughts about Alex from Penthouse 3?
