Rapper Sik-K, who is on trial on drug charges, appeared on the final broadcast of 'Show Me the Money 12,' drawing criticism.
On the 2nd, the final episode of Mnet hip-hop survival program Show Me the Money 12 aired. That day, rapper Kim Ha-on performed "R.I.L" and "King's gambit" on the final stage.
The song was written, composed and arranged by Kim Ha-on along with Gaeko, Zico, Sik-K, Crush and Vinxen. Accordingly, Zico, Gaeko and Vinxen joined the stage as featured artists to provide support.
Meanwhile, Sik-K did not appear on stage. He is currently on trial on drug charges. It appears he did not participate in the recording out of concern for public opinion.
However, although he did not go on stage, his presence was not completely erased. During the "King's gambit" performance, Sik-K's part was broadcast unchanged. In that part, a video of Sik-K featuring while wearing a necklace with the word "Sik-K" visible on screen was shown, and this appearance was captured intact in the broadcast.
Netizens poured criticism on Sik-K's double conduct after seeing this. Coincidentally, on the same day, Seoul Western District Court criminal appeals division 2-1 (Director General Jeong Seong-gyun) held the first appeal hearing for Sik-K, who was indicted on charges including marijuana under the Act on the Control of Narcotics, because of drugs.
At the appeal, the prosecution sought a prison term of three years and six months, arguing the original sentence was too light, but Sik-K's side rebutted that because of "Iyoo" the first-instance ruling "cannot easily be seen as excessively harsh." They also added that, given he is already suffering harsh punishments such as suspension of broadcasts and cancellation of advertisements, his professional status should not be used as a factor against him in sentencing. Sik-K, who attended the trial, also said, "I deeply regret this," and appealed, "If you give me a chance to repay my family and company colleagues, I will live the rest of my life repenting."
Meanwhile, less than half a day after the trial ended, Sik-K's appearance on a major survival program with significant influence raised questions about the sincerity of his remorse. Sik-K had also performed on stage immediately after the first-instance sentencing, which provoked controversy. The behavior that completely contradicted his plea for leniency in court naturally led to negative public opinion.
In particular, calls for accountability were raised not only toward Sik-K but also toward the producers of Show Me the Money 12. They argued that although his appearance could have been sufficiently removed in editing beforehand, exposing Sik-K — whose trial on drug charges is ongoing — was inappropriate. Furthermore, there are concerns that it could be perceived as condoning his criminal behavior.
Meanwhile, Sik-K is accused of taking ketamine and ecstasy in October 2023 and smoking and possessing marijuana in January the following year. He approached a police officer on duty near Yongsan District, Seoul, last January and confessed to taking drugs, and in the first trial he was sentenced to 10 months in prison with a two-year suspension. The prosecution appealed, saying the sentence was too light. Sik-K's appeal sentencing is scheduled for 10 a.m. on the 30th.
[Photo] Mnet
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