[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] A petition has been raised requesting the suspension of KBS2's 'Yeonjung Live' broadcast, which covered actor Kim Seonho's personal life controversy involving allegations that he pressured his ex-girlfriend to have an abortion under the pretense of marriage.
On the 30th, the KBS Viewer Rights Center posted a petition requesting the suspension of KBS2's 'Yeonjung Live' for addressing Kim Seonho's personal life controversy.
The author wrote, "Several experts have already mentioned that this is a private matter and have called for restraint from excessive interest and broadcasting," adding, "The celebrity in question has officially apologized, and the other party has accepted (the truth of the allegations), so the matter has been settled, and the celebrity has withdrawn from all programs."
They continued, "In a situation where provocative YouTubers' broadcasts are being criticized, I do not understand why a public broadcaster would air a program on such a topic," and insisted, "I request the suspension of broadcasts related to the personal life of a celebrity who is just an individual."
Previously, on the day before, KBS2's 'Yeonjung Live' covered Kim Seonho's personal life controversy in the 'Yeonjung Issue' segment.
The broadcast included content regarding whether there could be legal disputes related to the controversy sparked by Kim Seonho's ex-girlfriend Ms. A's revelations, which raised issues from his personal life to his character.
Attorney Heo Ju-yeon, who appeared on the broadcast, examined whether Kim Seonho bears legal responsibility in connection with this controversy. Attorney Heo said, "Since both the abortion law and the crime of seduction under the pretense of marriage have been abolished, criminal responsibility cannot be imposed, but civil liability can be pursued," adding, "In fact, there was a similar recent case where a claim for damages was made, and a compensation of 3 million won was awarded."
Regarding whether Kim Seonho must pay a penalty for breaking advertising contracts, she said, "The group T-ara paid penalties due to bullying controversies, and Lee Soo-geun paid penalties for illegal gambling charges," adding, "Kim Seonho also had a clause for maintaining dignity, and if it is proven that he caused damage, he may have to pay penalties."
Meanwhile, following the broadcast, the 'Yeonjung Live' viewer board was flooded with protest messages related to the broadcast content. Viewers presumed to be Kim Seonho's fans expressed dissatisfaction with comments such as, "Do celebrities have no privacy?", "What is the purpose of covering one person's private life on public broadcasting?", and "The level of public broadcasting is truly disappointing."
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