KBS apologized for the allegations of mocking baseball player Yoo Kang-nam and for biased broadcasting.
On the 14th, KBS said through the viewer petition bulletin board, "First, we apologize for causing concern to fans who love professional baseball," adding, "The first principle of the company's professional baseball production team is not to engage in biased broadcasting. The commentators also broadcast very cautiously to avoid being accused of biased commentary for their affiliated teams, and they consider the issue of biased broadcasting to be of utmost importance. Therefore, there was no intent for biased broadcasting," they stated.
They continued, "However, to aid viewer understanding, while displaying information about the teams and players as subtitles, there were contents that could cause discomfort to fans and players," and expressed their apologies regarding the part where Yoo Kang-nam was referred to as "a broken diamond."
Previously, KBS live-broadcast the opening game of professional baseball on the 22nd of last month, featuring the Lotte Giants vs. LG Twins, during which they displayed the subtitle "a broken diamond" when Lotte's Yoo Kang-nam appeared. This was perceived as mocking his nickname "Iron Giant," and was deemed inappropriate for a player who spent last season recovering from injury, leading to criticisms of "exceeding decency." Lotte fans and viewers inundated the petition bulletin board with complaints.
In particular, one viewer stated, "During the live broadcast of the opening game on March 22 between Lotte and LG, there was mocking content like 'a broken diamond' mentioned. It's very inappropriate for a public broadcaster to use biased commentary and such expressions, not just a community." They formally submitted a petition, which garnered over 1,000 signatures, prompting KBS to respond directly with an apology.
Below is the full official statement from KBS regarding the biased broadcasting controversy
First, we apologize for causing concern to fans who love professional baseball.
The first principle of the company's professional baseball production team is not to engage in biased broadcasting. The commentators also broadcast very cautiously to avoid being accused of biased commentary for their affiliated teams, and they consider the issue of biased broadcasting to be of utmost importance. Therefore, there was no intent for biased broadcasting.
However, to aid viewer understanding, while displaying information about the teams and players as subtitles, there were contents that could cause discomfort to fans and players.
In the future, the company's broadcasting team will exercise greater caution regarding subtitles and statements during professional baseball broadcasts. Thank you.
[Photo] OSEN DB, KBS live broadcast screen
[OSEN]