KBS announcer Kim Jin-woong is at the center of controversy over remarks aimed at his colleague, Do Kyung-wan, and as a result, the replays for the broadcast episode have been suspended.
On the 25th, Wave announced that it had suspended the replays of certain episodes of KBS 2TV's "The Boss's Ears Are Donkey Ears." The episodes affected are 165 through 167, 248, 251 through 253, and the 320th episode in which announcer Kim Jin-woong made his problematic remarks. Wave explained that it was a "measure requested by the broadcaster," and the production team has not provided a separate statement.
The problematic remarks were made by announcer Kim Jin-woong during a scene where he was covering a matchmaking company. He said, "I can't live like my senior Do Kyung-wan. It may be disrespectful to my senior, but I can't live as someone's 'sub.'" Announcer Um Ji-in, who was beside him, immediately countered, "Why is Do Kyung-wan a sub?" and panelist Lee Ji-hye also responded, "He mentioned Kim Goeun and Karina as his ideal types, so it seems he'll end up living as a sub."
Immediately after the broadcast, Do Kyung-wan's wife, Jang Yoon-jung, expressed her discomfort on social media. She said, "We don't have a close relationship... Ha ha... Words or actions that make the other party unable to smile cannot be packaged as 'jokes' or 'playful.' There are no 'subs' among family members," firmly drawing a line.
As the controversy grew, Kim Jin-woong posted a lengthy apology on social media the next day. He said, "I apologize for causing concern to my seniors Do Kyung-wan and Jang Yoon-jung with my careless remarks," and added, "I also apologize to viewers and fans for any discomfort I caused." He continued, "In particular, Senior Do Kyung-wan has been someone who warmly looked after his juniors since his days of local duty, and I have caused a significant inconvenience to him," adding, "I will not repeat the same mistake again."
Jang Yoon-jung accepted Kim Jin-woong's apology and brought the matter to a close. She stated, "He even sent a message from an unknown number to convey his apology. It must have taken courage to apologize, and keeping that in mind, I think I should accept it," referring to his attitude. She added, "Many people resonated with my post, which eased my upset feelings. I hope happiness and good luck will accompany his future."
[Photo] Broadcast capture.
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