The backlash against KBS anchor Kim Jin-woong is intensifying. It is not simply ending in controversy; it has escalated to petitions for his resignation and a suspension of the replay service. Speculations continue that this might be due to the exposure of KBS anchor pay.
On the broadcast of KBS 2TV's 'Boss's Ears are Donkey Ears' on the 24th, anchor Kim Jin-woong stated during a conversation with a marriage agency, 'I can't live like senior Dong Kyung-wan. I can't live as someone's subordinate.' Although this comment came in a light-hearted context, the expression used by a junior to describe a senior as 'subordinate' drew frowns from viewers.
Right after the broadcast, Dong Kyung-wan's wife, Jang Yoon-jung, immediately took to social media to express her displeasure, stating, 'There's no acquaintance... Hehe. Words or actions that don't allow the other party to laugh can't be wrapped in jokes or pranks. There are no subordinates among family.' This effectively refuted Kim Jin-woong's remarks.
As the controversy grew, Kim Jin-woong posted a lengthy apology on social media the next day. He said, 'I apologize for causing concerns to seniors Dong Kyung-wan and Jang Yoon-jung with my careless remarks,' and added, 'Senior Dong Kyung-wan has always taken care of his juniors warmly since his local work days, but despite that, I have caused a great inconvenience.' He bowed his head and continued, 'I will not repeat the same mistake again,' and reiterated his apology.
Jang Yoon-jung seemed to accept Kim Jin-woong's apology, bringing the matter to a close, stating, 'I received a text from an unknown number conveying an apology. The apology must have required courage, and considering that, I believe I should accept it,' demonstrating her magnanimity.
However, the viewers' reactions remain cold. A petition demanding 'the resignation and departure of Kim Jin-woong from all programs' has appeared on the KBS viewer petition board. The author stated, 'Public broadcasting anchors must show dignity and trust before the nation. However, Mr. Kim Jin-woong's remarks have tarnished the dignity of all KBS anchors,' criticizing him harshly.
In particular, Kim Jin-woong's direct mention of 'an annual salary of more than 70 million won' during the broadcast is also under scrutiny. There are even suggestions questioning whether it is appropriate for a public broadcasting anchor to openly disclose salary information.
In fact, the backlash has extended to the suspension of the 'Boss's Ears are Donkey Ears' replay service. According to Wavve, on the 25th, they blocked replays of episodes 165, 167, 248, 251-253, and episode 320, which included Kim Jin-woong's comments, at the request of the production company. Although it appears to be a simple scheduling adjustment, some speculate that they felt burdened not only by the remarks that belittled Dong Kyung-wan but also by the mention of KBS anchor salaries.
Internet users are also cold. 'Although an apology was made, one must realize how heavy words can be,' and 'Why did he even mention the salary; it tarnishes the image of public broadcasting,' are among the responses that have followed.
Despite Kim Jin-woong repeatedly bowing his head, restoring viewers' trust does not seem easy. Beyond a mere incident, as basic qualities and broadcast attitudes of an anchor have come into question, attention is now focused on KBS's internal responses.
[Photo] 'OSEN DB, KBS2TV'
[OSEN]