[Summary] Park Ji-yoon "Not a one-sided outburst" Husband's withdrawal demand... KBS "Reflecting on inappropriate conduct"

Choi Dong-seok announcer/Photo by KBS

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon, Intern Reporter Kang Joo-hee] KBS has issued a statement regarding the controversy involving announcer Choi Dong-seok's wife, former announcer Park Ji-yoon.

On the 26th, KBS posted on its official website, "Regarding the controversy surrounding announcer Choi Dong-seok, announcer Choi has accepted viewers' criticisms, expressed remorse for his inappropriate conduct, and stated his intention to be more cautious."

They continued, "We also understand that last night, Ms. Park Ji-yoon posted an apology and explanation on her SNS. In relation to this, KBS has warned announcer Choi to act appropriately as a public broadcaster's announcer, and all members will fulfill their duties as public broadcasters and actively participate in overcoming the COVID-19 crisis," they added.

Park Ji-yoon also issued an apology regarding the controversy through her law firm. However, she clarified the controversy about having an argument with netizens.

Park Ji-yoon stated, "On March 24, I received several malicious comments on a completely different issue. For the past three years, I have been continuously harassed by a specific malicious commenter, and after two criminal complaints, the person was punished. This incident caused me a kind of trauma," adding, "I posted a monologue on my Instagram story to vent some of those feelings, expressing that people who are struggling should resolve their issues on their own and not interfere with my life. That post is by no means a unilateral arrogant outburst directed at this matter or many people, as described in the articles," she emphasized.

Broadcaster Park Ji-yoon / Photo by Yonhap News

She continued, "The fact alone was not a model case for many people practicing social distancing, so I sincerely apologize to everyone suffering from this situation," and added, "Please criticize the mistakes, but I earnestly ask you to withdraw misunderstandings about inaccurate parts and stop attacking my family and reproducing false reports."

Earlier, Park Ji-yoon posted on her private Instagram, "After a joyful 50-minute hike, feeling the family love blooming amid the epidemic, we headed to a cafe," along with travel photos. Although Park Ji-yoon usually keeps her Instagram private, it is known that she has about 450,000 followers.

One netizen commented, "I cautiously suggest not posting travel photos during times like these. It is a period when everyone should refrain from going out as much as possible and stay home."

In response, Park Ji-yoon said, "We were not roaming tourist spots but stayed only with our family in a private condo. It is safer than my husband going to work," and through her Instagram story, she posted, "Why are there so many professional complainers telling others what to do these days? If you are dissatisfied with your own life, please resolve it yourself. Do not interfere with others' lives," which escalated the controversy.

Subsequently, the KBS viewer board saw demands for the resignation of announcer Choi Dong-seok, the main anchor of 'KBS News 9' and Park Ji-yoon's husband.