Disney Plus variety show 'Fate War 49' is facing growing controversy after treating the deaths of a fallen firefighter and then a fallen police officer as material for a variety show mission. As criticism mounts over inappropriate remarks by cast members and editing that broadcast them without filtration, calls for producer responsibility have emerged and attention is focused on subsequent measures.
First, the spark of the controversy began with a mission related to the late firefighter Kim Cheol-hong. A segment aired that speculated on the cause of death of Kim, who died in the line of duty while rescuing a citizen at a fire scene in Hongje-dong in 2001, using methods of divination. In particular, the victim's face and date of birth were disclosed, prompting a strong backlash from the bereaved family.
Among them, A, who identified himself as the late man's younger brother, criticized, "Contrary to the explanation that it honored his noble spirit of sacrifice, the broadcast only traded in sensational expressions," and asked, "Was consent obtained with sweet talk?" B, who identified himself as a nephew, also said, "I was not given enough explanation," pointing to inadequate post-event responses. The firefighters' union also said, "Death in the line of duty is a public sacrifice for which the state must take responsibility and show respect," and even mentioned the possibility of legal action.
As the controversy grew, the producers apologized, saying, "We obtained the bereaved family's consent to use the portrait and information," but added, "We belatedly learned that the prior consent process was not adequately communicated to some family members," and said they would "strive to gain the understanding and sympathy of both viewers and the parties involved."
However, immediately after the apology another controversy emerged. In the same episode, while covering the circumstances of the death of fallen police sergeant Lee Jae-hyun, a cast member used the criminal slang term 'kalppang,' and Jun Hyun-moo repeated it as is while Shin Dong appeared to go along, and the scene was broadcast. Inside the police force, criticism arose that this was "a clear secondary victimization."
Fallen sergeant Lee Jae-hyun died after being stabbed while arresting suspect Lee Hak-man, who was accused of assaulting a woman, in August 2004 while serving as a detective in the violent crimes unit at the Seoul Western Police Station. The National Police Workplace Council demanded an official apology, deletion of the problem episode, and the harshest possible legal penalties, saying, "They belittled the sacrifice of a fallen public servant with vulgar slang." In particular, it emphasized the responsibility of both the producers and the cast, saying, "They consumed public sacrifice as variety show gossip."
Jun Hyun-moo's side immediately apologized. His agency bowed its head, saying, "We feel heavy responsibility for hurting the deceased and the bereaved family," and promised to prevent recurrence. However, there has been no additional statement from the production team yet.
Online, voices criticizing producer responsibility have grown louder. Reactions included, "The problem is the producers' decision to air the cast member's remarks without editing," "The plan itself to use a fallen person as a mission subject was excessive," and "The cast apologized, but the structural responsibility lies with the producers." On the other hand, some urged caution, saying, "We must acknowledge the immediate apology," and "Consider the program's purpose."
Ultimately, the planning and overall editing that consumed public sacrifice as a variety-show device have been identified as the heart of the controversy. Amid successive controversies surrounding a fallen firefighter and police officer, attention is focused on what additional apology and recurrence-prevention measures the producers will present and whether the problem episode will be dealt with.
Meanwhile, the police workplace council demanded △ an official apology to the bereaved families and all police officers nationwide △ immediate deletion of the problem episode from all platforms △ a public apology and self-reflection by the cast △ and the harshest possible penalty from the Korea Communications Standards Commission.
The police workplace council said, "Death in the line of duty is a tragedy in which a family's sky collapses and a national loss," and said, "The noble sacrifice must never again be consumed as variety show material. We will mobilize all means to respond firmly so that the honor of uniformed heroes is no longer harmed," and, "We will fight to the end to create a society where the sacrifice of the fallen receives full respect."
[photo] 'Fate War 49'
[OSEN]