Broadcaster Do Kyung-wan, a former announcer, opened up about the remarks made by junior KBS announcer Kim Jin-woong, who referred to him as 'Jang Yoon-jeong's sub.'
On the 26th, Do Kyung-wan stated, 'Our couple may appear to lean towards one side to some, but we respect and consider each other, and we live relying on each other firmly.'
He added that he received an apology message from Kim Jin-woong, saying, 'I was upset that this incident seemed to hurt our family and those who love us, but I hope no one else gets hurt because of this.'
He further remarked, 'We will greet everyone again with bright appearances.'
Earlier, on the 24th, during the KBS 2TV show 'The Boss's Ears Are Donkey Ears,' Kim Jin-woong stated while visiting a marriage information company, 'I can't live like senior Do Kyung-wan. It might be a disrespectful thing to say, but I cannot live as someone's sub.'
In response, Jang Yoon-jeong captured an article containing his remarks and shared it, expressing her displeasure by saying, 'Any words or actions that don't make the other party laugh cannot be wrapped as "jokes" or "playfulness,"' and emphasized, 'There is no "sub" among family.'
As the controversy grew, Kim Jin-woong noted, 'I still lack experience, and I feel this opportunity has come to me as a precious chance, so I was overly enthusiastic and not cautious,' and offered an apology to viewers and the couple Do Kyung-wan and Jang Yoon-jeong.
However, despite his apology, criticism remains strong. A petition titled 'Petition for the complete departure and resignation of announcer Kim Jin-woong from all programs' has emerged on the KBS viewers' petition board.
The author of the petition stated, 'As a paying viewer, I feel deep disappointment and anger regarding the recent remarks and attitude of KBS announcer Kim Jin-woong,' and pointed out, 'Public broadcasters' announcers are not merely broadcasters but are in positions that must show trust and dignity through their words and actions in front of the nation.'
He continued, 'Kim Jin-woong's remarks harm the dignity of all KBS announcers and betray the trust of the citizens who pay license fees,' and labeled his comments as 'an inappropriate remark that crosses the line of a simple joke and publicly belittles a specific person.' He then demanded the termination of all programs with Kim Jin-woong and his resignation from the KBS announcer position.
The KBS viewer petition requires a direct response from the relevant department head if more than 1,000 people agree within 30 days.