Late Lee Ji-eun's family: "They treated sister's death like gossip"... Production team: "We obtained family's consent"

Photo by MBC 'Saram-i Johta' capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Shin-won] The MBC program "People Are Good," featuring Luna from the group f(x), has become embroiled in controversy.

In the episode of "People Are Good" aired on the 3rd, Luna appeared and shared that she had a difficult time after losing trainee friend Lee Ji-eun (Sophia), who had been living in the same house and dreaming of debuting as a singer following the death of former group member Sulli last year. On the show, Luna said, "She was like family to me. She lived in our house, and we were inseparable friends. I can't fully understand, but it must have been very painful."

However, after the broadcast, Lee's younger sibling, A, criticized on Instagram, saying, "Sulli was a fellow member and a celebrity, but my sister was a private individual. Why are private matters being disclosed like this?" and added, "At the very least, the production team should have contacted the bereaved family to get permission before filming."

A stated, "Did they not consider that the bereaved family would be hurt and distressed again as my sister's death became an issue and painful wounds were reopened?" and continued, "Did they think about the public and the bereaved family who see my sister's death treated like gossip with comments like 'I thought it was IU' or 'I was tricked'? It's truly very unpleasant, infuriating, and incomprehensible. Please stop exploiting my sister's death. Even if it was not intentional, it was wrong."

In response, the production team explained, "Luna personally obtained consent from the bereaved family she usually contacts," adding, "However, it seems Lee's younger sibling was unaware of this. The production team plans to contact them to provide a detailed explanation."