The web variety show Zzanbro revised its preview after a sexual harassment controversy, but criticism has not easily subsided. Coupled with controversies that have accumulated over time, criticisms continue over the production team's response and the direction of the content.
What caused the problem was an inappropriate scene in the Zzanbro preview aimed at TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) member Soobin. The scene depicted mentioning the body and appearing to try to measure it, and the controversy spread after the subject's reaction that "it is humiliating" was revealed as is, and the relevant part was eventually deleted.
But when looking at the revised preview, questions still remain. That's because the revealing tops of the cast, jokes about bodies, and provocative captions such as "shock and horror" and "this is my first time seeing a show like this" were left unchanged. In the end, critics say it was only a "partial revision" that removed only the specific scene that drew strong backlash from idol fandoms, and there appears to be no concern about the overall level or direction of the content. Relatedly, the production team did not offer any apology or statement.
The essence of this controversy is not limited to a single scene. Zzanbro has repeatedly used provocative elements in its alcohol-centered talks, such as swearing, references to excessive kissing scenes, and jokes about bodies. It reached the point where cast members even apologized.
Earlier, Kwon Sang-woo reacted to P.O., who teased his pronunciation, with mixed profanity, and while recounting the behind-the-scenes of a kissing scene with Moon Chae-won in a film he said, "When the action started, Chae-won did it very entertainingly and well. It was fun, honestly," which embarrassed Moon Chae-won. Moon Chae-won once again tried to wrap up the situation by saying, "Senior, you seem a little drunk right now." As the controversy continued, Kwon Sang-woo personally apologized through the comments on the video. He later said, "I was so drunk that I apologize to those who felt uncomfortable. I just finished filming Zzanbro, so please view it favorably," and added, "Out of love for my work I drank a lot even though my tolerance is low. I will refrain from drinking for the time being."
In addition, actress Lee Young-ae drew attention by expressing sincere concerns for minors on the YouTube drinking show Zzanbro. When it was revealed that Lee Young-ae was the first female model for soju and interest grew, Lee Young-ae said honestly, "I'm worried my children will watch this broadcast today and say, 'Should I try drinking too?' " She added, "Zzanbro must include captions. You should put a warning that 'minors should not drink or binge drink,'" which drew attention.
This trend also runs counter to recently strengthened social standards. The government revised the "media drinking scene guidelines to prevent the spread of drinking culture" in 2023, expanding the scope of management to online content such as OTT and YouTube. Accordingly, Zzanbro has been inserting warning captions such as "excessive drinking is harmful to health," but the content itself still relies on provocation and has not escaped that structure.
Although the cast members worried about glorifying drinking and personally apologized for unintentionally causing discomfort to the public, the production team did not show any position. A common criticism is that the drinking premise has functioned as a kind of excuse for failing to control the level. Even if the relevant comment was pinned to the top by the production team afterward, paradoxically it raises the question again of where the responsibility for editing and direction lies, because the production team is ultimately the party that releases the content.
The problem is especially the nature of the platform. YouTube can be exposed without age restrictions, and when idol guests appear, teenage viewers naturally follow. In such an environment, if sexual jokes, body ridicule and excessive drinking portrayals are combined, it is hard to see them simply as "variety show codes." Lee Young-ae's concern about children is a point of empathy. Especially if teenage fans are drawn in, the production team should have been more stringent in editing, captions and scene composition.
Above all, this is not the first controversy surrounding Zzanbro. Similar problems have been repeated, such as glorifying drinking and casting guests with drinking and driving controversies, and each time the production team has handled the situation with edits or taking content private without much explanation. This time is no different. Although the controversial scenes disappeared, there is still no explanation about why they were problematic or a redefinition of standards for the content as a whole. An explanation along the lines of "misunderstanding will be reduced if you watch the main episode" is not enough.
The fact that sexual harassment allegations arose against an idol guest this time means that the structure in which high-level remarks and actions are packaged as entertainment under the excuse of alcohol itself has come under scrutiny. Some viewers are even calling for cancellation. This goes beyond the reaction of specific fandoms and is the result of accumulated fatigue with a production team that does not change despite repeated controversies. Distrust has grown that the production team does not sufficiently reflect on the problems. If the drinking-show format is to be maintained, responsible consideration is needed about protecting guests, viewer age groups, the possibility of glorifying drinking and the boundaries of sexual jokes.
If a channel watched by 2.1 million subscribers is involved, what is needed first is not simply a "partial edit" of the video but an appropriate explanation and apology and an attitude to prevent recurrence. This is the minimum courtesy to subscribers who watch the content, and it should not end with quietly deleting controversial scenes. Rather than continuing to seek stronger stimulation, this is the time for serious content restructuring and careful consideration about why criticism keeps repeating.
[Photo] Zzanbro
[OSEN]