Singer Jang Yoon-jung accepts an apology from Kim Jin-woong over husband 'sub' remark controversy... however, the aftermath continues.
Singer Jang Yoon-jung accepted an apology regarding Kim Jin-woong's remark describing her husband Do Kyung-wan as a 'sub,' suggesting the situation was settling down for now. However, following the suspension of the replay service and the petition for his exit, the backlash remains strong.
On the broadcast of KBS 2TV's entertainment program 'Boss's Ears Are Donkey Ears' on the 24th, Kim Jin-woong, during a report on a marriage information company, remarked, "I can't live like senior Do Kyung-wan. I can't live as someone's sub," sparking controversy. Do Kyung-wan is known to the public as the husband of 'Trot Queen' Jang Yoon-jung and is a familiar figure as part of the 'Do couple.'
Immediately after the broadcast, Jang Yoon-jung stated through her personal SNS, "Since we don't even know each other... comments or actions that make the other party unable to laugh cannot be packaged as jokes or playful remarks. There is no sub among family." Subsequently, on the 25th, Kim Jin-woong posted a lengthy apology on his SNS, saying, "I apologize for causing concern to Do Kyung-wan and Jang Yoon-jung sunbaenim with my careless remarks. In particular, senior Do Kyung-wan has always been warm and caring since my time in local stations, yet I ended up causing great trouble anyway."
Jang Yoon-jung accepted Kim Jin-woong's apology, stating on SNS, "I received a text from an unknown number conveying his apology. It must have taken courage to apologize, and considering that feeling, I believe I should accept it. I am grateful that many people empathized with my post and eased my upset feelings. I won't say much more. I hope happiness and good luck accompany your future." This seemed to mark the conclusion of the incident on the surface.
However, the backlash did not subside. As the controversy spread, Wave suspended the replay service for episodes including the problematic comment, specifically the 320th episode, along with several other episodes (165, 167, 248, 251, 253). Wave explained it was a measure taken at the request of the broadcaster, while the production team did not release a separate statement.
In addition, a petition titled 'Petition for Kim Jin-woong's exit from all programs and resignation' was posted on the KBS viewer petition board. The writer of the petition criticized strongly, stating, "Public broadcasting announcers must demonstrate trust and dignity before the public; however, he repeatedly made remarks that belittled specific individuals. He failed to manage basic conduct expected of an announcer."
Responses from internet users are divided. Some stated, "It's clearly a problem for a public broadcasting announcer to publicly belittle a colleague," and noted, "It's surprising how impactful a single remark can be, and one must be cautious." However, others questioned, "Why is the backlash so harsh when Jang Yoon-jung forgave him? Entertainment should be viewed as entertainment," leading to ongoing debates.
In this manner, Jang Yoon-jung gracefully resolved the incident, but as the boundaries of remarks made by a public broadcasting announcer in entertainment became blurred, the controversy remains heated. Ultimately, this incident has evolved into a tug-of-war debate between 'entertainment context' and 'public broadcasting responsibility.'
[Photo] 'OSEN DB'
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