BBC‘s damning “Burning Sun” documentary revealed KBS broadcasting channel’s direct involvement in coaxing idol-turned-criminal Jung Joon Young‘s victim into dropping her lawsuit against him, sparking massive criticism and national demand for apologies.
According to journalist Park Hyo Sil, when, in 2016, Jung’s first known molka (illegally filmed footage) victim—given the alias Kyung Mi in the documentary—reported him for “sexual offense” and pursued legal action…
…Jung had to withdraw from his regular appearance on the KBS entertainment program, 2 Days & 1 Night.
[Entertainment Note] Jung Joon Young Embroiled In Sexual Offense Case, Withdraws From 2 Days & 1 Night For The Time Being
— KBS
During his hiatus, KBS’s legal team is reported to have contacted Kyung Mi in an attempt to convince her to drop the lawsuit, threatening her with a counter charge.
Narration: A lawyer representing the channel contacts Jung’s accuser, Kyung Mi.
Park: According to the lawyer, if there was insufficient evidence, she could end up receiving a harsh sentence for false accusation. She was scared when she heard that, so she didn’t pursue legal action.
Narration: Kyung Mi issues a public statement saying Jung had done nothing wrong and apologizing to him. Jung’s agency hastily calls a press conference to clear his name.
When Kyung Mi dropped the lawsuit, the 2 Days & 1 Night production team put together a “welcome back” episode to bring Jung back to the show.
Maknae Jung Joon Young
Excited & nervous in front of the camera for the first time in a while…— KBS’s “2 Days & 1 Night”
Jung’s return was celebrated among his fellow cast mates, with each commenting on how Jung was a “troublemaker maknae.”
Jung Joon Young: Hello, this is Jung Joon Young.
Caption: Seriously, stop letting us down…
Caption: Do you have any idea how the hyungs felt [while you were gone]?
The revelation has left Korea in an outrage.
While it is unclear whether the production team at KBS’s 2 Days & 1 Night, and more so the cast, knew about what happened behind the scenes in order to bring Jung back on to the show, Koreans remain convinced about one thing: KBS cannot be free from criticism for its direct involvement in “protecting” Jung.
- “I can’t believe some people are STILL defending the channel when it was revealed that KBS got involved. So I’m supposed to believe that the production team did not know when the channel’s legal team reached out to the victim? How does that not sound suspicious?”
- “All so corrupt, to be honest…”
- “What’s wrong with KBS?”
- “KBS should explain.”
- “Perhaps the production team and the cast believed Jung because, at the time, he was a part of the work family and they had nothing else to believe. I bet they were mortified when the Burning Sun scandal really blew up. KBS is the dumba*s for helping Jung downplay the situation and return to the show.”
- “I hope the victim never got to see those episodes… They would’ve shattered her.”
- “Wowza…”
Amid the fierce demand for a statement, KBS has not responded.
Watch the full documentary here.
