TWICE‘s Sana is reportedly set to make her acting debut in Nyangi, a Korea-Japan co-production. However, the announcement has sparked immediate controversy online.
According to recent reports, Sana will star as the female lead opposite Japanese actor Satoh Takeru, who has built a reputation as a “romance master” in his home country.
TWICE’s Sana Makes Acting Debut With Top Star
The premise itself is drawing the most scrutiny: Sana is said to play a cat who transforms into a human for the male lead.
Sana wearing a cat-eared headband during a previous TWICE fansign.
The casting news has divided fans, many of whom have taken to social media to voice discomfort with the storyline.
this could turn weird pretty fast.. https://t.co/QTsubTaOHd
— @𝒻𝓇ℯ𝒶𝓀𝓎van SAW TWICE | poop tweeter (@twicestallion) July 8, 2026
i need a cigarette https://t.co/FMKJ4pJeFX
— aub☆ (@mishamo) July 8, 2026
Sana I love you but why would you agree to this💀💀 https://t.co/Pq6eic2Utl
— LIZZY feels Hvnly🧡 (@shrizz_12) July 8, 2026
Concerns largely center on the film’s premise and how it might be handled onscreen, with some questioning the optics of the specific dynamic between the two leads.
não querendo ser too woke, mas essa porra de sinopse… sabendo como o japão é fetichista com isso + a reputação lixo que esse cara tem, eu tô torcendo pra que não aconteça nada além de uma amizade engraçadinha
se nao? nojento. https://t.co/dshtC0it94
— sara (@befrseulgi) July 8, 2026
I’m asking on behalf of the entire fandom… ARE THEY PLAYING ROMANTIC PARTNERS??? https://t.co/TKdlqC9n6O
— zozozoeee (@uppercasehyo) July 8, 2026
As of now, neither Sana’s agency, JYP Entertainment, nor the production team behind “Nyangi” has issued an official statement addressing the backlash or clarifying further plot details.
nvm just go ahead and cancel ts https://t.co/6yzbIEAyKK pic.twitter.com/dUSStDPq8r
— safꕤ (@adoringtzu) July 8, 2026
This would mark Sana’s first major acting role since debuting with TWICE in 2015, a significant step for the idol who has largely remained focused on music and variety appearances throughout her career. Whether the criticism will affect the project’s direction or Sana’s involvement remains unclear.
TWICE