The popular romantic comedy Would You Marry Me? is receiving significant criticism from viewers following its latest episode. The show is facing backlash for a scene that many say mishandled the serious issue of illegal filming. During an emergency situation, a character discovers a voyeur but chooses to let him go with only a warning, a decision that has upset audiences.
The Controversial Scene
In the sixth episode of Would You Marry Me?, which aired on October 25, 2025, a problematic sequence involving a voyeur unfolded. The scene featured the character Yoon Jin Gyeong, a doctor played by Shin Seul Gi, performing CPR on a jogger who had collapsed. While she was administering lifesaving aid, the show depicted a man secretly recording her from behind.
Another character, Baek Sang Hyeon (played by Bae Na Ra), noticed the recording. His response was to drape his coat over the doctor with the words, “Cover up,” before taking over the chest compressions. He then confronted the voyeur, seized the phone, and recited the legal penalties for illegal surreptitious filming—up to seven years in prison or a fine of around 36,000 USD. However, he ultimately let the man go, stating, “Looks like it’s your first time, so I’ll let it slide. Next time, no mercy,” before simply deleting the footage.
This type of scenario has a deep-seated cultural reference point in the legend of Lady Godiva, an 11th-century noblewoman who, according to folklore, rode naked through the streets of Coventry to persuade her husband to lower taxes. The townspeople were ordered to stay indoors and not look, but one man, later immortalized as “Peeping Tom,” disobeyed and spied on her. In most versions of the tale, Tom is struck blind or dead as divine punishment for his transgression. The term “Peeping Tom” has since become synonymous with voyeurism. The controversy surrounding Would You Marry Me? suggests that viewers expected a more modern and sensitive approach to the topic, rather than one that echoes an ancient legend without its consequential morality.
Viewer Reaction and Criticism
Clips of the scene quickly spread online, drawing sharp criticism from viewers. Many expressed frustration that the show presented a scenario where a criminal was merely warned and released instead of being reported to the police.
A common sentiment among critics is that the scene missed an opportunity to show a proper response to a crime. Viewers commented online with remarks such as, “You report a crime—you don’t just seize a phone and walk away.” Others pointed out the problematic framing where a male character took charge in a situation where the female doctor was the victim, noting “The woman bears the harm while a male character makes the final call. That framing is offensive.”
The backlash highlights a disconnect between the scene’s resolution and real-world expectations for handling such illegal acts. The decision to have a character “let a voyeur off” has been seen as glamorizing a serious crime and sending the wrong message to the audience.
Success Amidst Controversy
The controversy arrives while Would You Marry Me? has been performing well in its time slot. The main romantic plot between Choi Woo Shik and Jung So Min has been praised for its charming chemistry, recently pushing the show’s ratings past 7% and reaching a peak of 9.7% during a confession scene. The series tells the story of a interior designer who, after a heartbreak, enters a contest to win a luxury newlywed home. To claim the prize, she must prove she is married and convinces a charming bakery heir to act as her husband in a 90-day fake marriage deal.
Despite this success, the backlash from the subplot scene is intensifying. Many are now watching to see if the production team will provide an explanation or edit the scene for future broadcasts.
Also Read: Would You Marry Me Episodes 7-8: Release Schedule and Story Preview
