KBS announcer Kim Jin-woong has been swept up in a fierce backlash due to his comments referring to his senior announcer and Jang Yoon-jung's husband, Do Kyung-wan, as a 'sub.' The controversy surrounding the mistake made by a public broadcaster's announcer, who has disregarded the weight of his words, is unlikely to die down easily.
On the 24th, during a conversation with senior announcer Eom Ji-in on the KBS2 program 'President's ears are donkey ears,' Kim Jin-woong found himself in the middle of controversy. Eom Ji-in praised Do Kyung-wan, saying, "The male junior I think married the best is Do Kyung-wan; while his wife Jang Yoon-jung is on a national tour, he takes good care of things at home and has been active on air, harmonizing as a couple." In response, Kim Jin-woong said, "I can't live like senior Do Kyung-wan. It may be rude, but I can't live as someone's sub."
The remark defining Do Kyung-wan's life as a 'sub' immediately sparked controversy. Even when Eom Ji-in asked, "Why is Do Kyung-wan a sub?" Kim Jin-woong insisted, "I'm sorry, but that kind of life isn't easy for me."
In response, Do Kyung-wan's wife, Jang Yoon-jung, expressed her displeasure through social media, saying, "There is no familiarity, yet how can that be?" She countered, "Words or actions that make the other party unable to laugh cannot be packaged as jokes or pranks. There are no subs in family relationships."
As the fallout grew, Kim Jin-woong posted a lengthy apology on his social media. He said, "I apologize for causing concern to seniors Do Kyung-wan and Jang Yoon-jung with my thoughtless remarks. I also deeply apologize to the viewers and fans who felt uncomfortable." He continued, "I lack experience and my eagerness led me to be imprudent. Especially, senior Do Kyung-wan has always taken good care of me since my time serving regionally, and I feel deeply sorry for causing a significant issue."
Due to the fact that Kim Jin-woong is a public broadcaster announcer who should feel a greater weight of responsibility and accountability, public disappointment is even more significant. Kim Jin-woong said, "Through this incident, I have painfully realized how much harm careless remarks can cause. I will maintain vigilance so that this does not happen again. I sincerely apologize."
Despite this, the criticism against him intensified. There are even growing calls for the program's cancellation. Ultimately, the production team also issued an apology, stating, "We sincerely apologize for the concern and discomfort caused to many. We will strive to take greater care throughout the entire production process to prevent such incidents from recurring."
In a previous episode of KBS2's 'President's ears are donkey ears' aired in July, Kim Jin-woong had expressed a desire to ride the 'Park Myung-soo line,' saying, "To become a star, you need to be next to the star," and he 'discarded' Jun Hyun-moo, facing backlash as a 'turncoat.' As a result, Kim Jin-woong, who wanted to become a star, has distanced himself from the public due to a significant verbal mistake.
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]