Paik Jong-won, the CEO of Theborn Korea, recently spoke out about the allegations of 'broadcast abuse' that have surfaced. He expressed his grievances, stating, 'I said I would show a responsible attitude, but it is hard to accept claims that cross the line.'
PD Kim Jae-hwan, who has repeatedly targeted Paik Jong-won, released a solo interview with him through the YouTube channel 'Studio Ojaena' on the 13th. The video raised various allegations, including the controversy over broadcast abuse related to the SBS entertainment show 'Grocery Restaurant,' interference in selecting participants, and preventing participants from competing on rival programs.
In the video, the 'Ojaena' side claimed that Paik Jong-won had blocked Professor A, a taste expression expert, from appearing on the show and opposed singer Kim Ho-jung's appearance on SBS. Paik Jong-won, who had a strong attachment to 'Grocery Restaurant,' reportedly said, 'I am in a ratings war with the derivative program of 'Mr. Trot,' called 'Love Call Center,' and SBS has no pride?' and communicated with SBS's CP over the phone.
However, Paik Jong-won dismissed these allegations in a phone interview with OSEN. He responded, 'Regarding Professor A, the PD asked about the rapport with the participants, and I only expressed my personal opinion. In a situation where the broadcaster's representative cannot block an appearance, how can that be considered a 'ban on appearance'?'
Regarding Kim Ho-jung's involvement, he emphasized, 'At that time, the SBS program was struggling as it was competing with the 'Mr. Trot' series. In that situation, when they said they would use participants from a rival program in another SBS production, I was just expressing my disappointment,' adding, 'It is unfair to interpret that as broadcast abuse.'
In fact, Kim Ho-jung appeared on the SBS program five times from June to November 2020, including on 'My Ugly Duckling.'
PD Kim Jae-hwan, who is from MBC, has repeatedly claimed that Paik Jong-won committed abuse at the broadcasting station. After finishing the filming of tvN's 'Business Genius Baek Sa-jang 3,' Kim Jae-hwan met with Paik Jong-won upon his return from France and asked, 'Why are you making it so difficult for me? Director, do we have some kind of a bad fate? I also have many grievances.'
However, after that, PD Kim Jae-hwan spoke with Paik Jong-won for 4 hours and 30 minutes with both the camera and microphone off, but he later released the recording via his recording device, stating, 'I forgot. I did not mention to CEO Paik that I had the recorder hidden in my pockets and clothes. It was clearly my mistake.'
Paik Jong-won expressed his astonishment regarding the 'Ojaena' side suddenly pointing a camera at him at the airport, stating, 'I was taken aback,' adding, 'Although they said they contacted Theborn Korea in advance, none of the staff had received such contact.'
Afterward, he spent over 4 hours conducting the interview, explaining the allegations, as well as addressing positions on expanding support for franchise owners and compensation for damages. He stated, 'Having already stated multiple times that I would take responsibility, it is very unfair for the 'abuse frame' to be repeated,' expressing regret toward PD Kim Jae-hwan.
The controversy continues, now leading to a preview of video series from the YouTube channel. However, among some viewers, there is growing sentiment that 'criticism and attacks should be distinguished' and 'let's criticize, but not cross the line.'
Furthermore, Paik Jong-won's opposition to Kim Ho-jung's appearance on SBS was not due to personal feelings but for the pride of the program and SBS as a whole. In fact, voices of support also emerged, stating that Paik Jong-won's foresight shone through given that Kim Ho-jung was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in prison for hit-and-run charges in the first and second trials.
Paik Jong-won stated through OSEN, 'I am a person, so I cannot always speak only good and right words anywhere, anytime. I admit that there are shortcomings in my character. However, it is not 'abuse.'
[Photo] OSEN DB, 'Ojaena' capture
[Photo] Provided
[OSEN]