Netflix K-Drama criticized for poor subtitle quality

Netflix's new K-Drama, "When Life Gives You Tangerines," featuring stars IU and Park Bo Gum, is facing criticism for its subtitles. Many viewers are unhappy with the quality of the English translations, saying they do not accurately reflect the original Korean dialogue. Fans took to social media to voice their frustrations. They believe the subtitles often miss the emotional depth and meaning in the original script. For instance, a scene meant to show regret came across as anger in the English version, leading to confusion about key moments. Critics of Netflix's subtitles argue that older fan translations did a better job. These fan-subtitled dramas offered explanations for cultural references and idioms, enhancing the viewing experience. In contrast, Netflix's subtitles often oversimplify the text, which some viewers feel diminishes the richness of the show. Some supporters of Netflix's approach pointed out the challenges in translating scripts. They noted that professional subtitle creators have restrictions on the number of characters they can use and the timing for each line. These limits can impact the translation's nuance. Additionally, it has been mentioned that English subtitles often act as a base for translations into other languages. This requirement to simplify makes maintaining poetic elements more difficult. Concerns about low pay for translators were also raised, emphasizing a need for better compensation in the industry. Despite differing opinions, the backlash highlights a growing demand from international K-Drama fans for Netflix to improve its subtitle quality, especially for high-profile content.