[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] KBS announcer Han Sang-heon, who was embroiled in a privacy controversy, has decided to take a leave of absence.
On the 12th, KBS announced that Han Sang-heon recently went on parental leave.
Han Sang-heon had been involved in multiple controversies, including privacy issues and the improper receipt of annual leave allowances, but took a leave of absence without any particular explanation.
Earlier, on the 18th of last month, Han Sang-heon was identified by the YouTube channel 'Garosero Research Institute' (Gaseyeon) as a person who was subjected to financial blackmail using his private life as leverage.
On that day, 'Gaseyeon' referred to an article about a male announcer who was threatened with 300 million won on the 14th of the same month.
At the time, former reporter Kim Yong-ho said, "It is not easy to be asked for as much as 300 million won," adding, "It was a ridiculous incident where the demand was made without considering the announcer's salary or the reality."
He then revealed, "He met hostess A at a nightlife establishment last year, exchanged contact information, and met once every 2 to 3 weeks, sometimes having intimate relations."
Kang Yong-seok mentioned by name, saying, "This person is so unknown that I recognized him by face. Han Sang-heon, who appears on the left-leaning program 'The Live'.
As the video spread, voices from netizens urging Han Sang-heon to step down continued on the KBS online homepage.
When the controversy arose, Han Sang-heon stepped down from the ongoing KBS programs 'Saengsaeng Information' and 'The Live'.
At the time, KBS stated, "We will clarify the matter later based on accurate facts," but also said, "Han Sang-heon himself decided to voluntarily step down to avoid causing harm to the programs he was hosting."
Additionally, on the 11th, it was revealed that Han Sang-heon was among the KBS announcers disciplined for improperly receiving annual leave allowances, sparking renewed controversy. Han Sang-heon is known to have received a one-month salary reduction as a penalty for this issue.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
