'Singgeulbeonggeul Show' New DJ Jeong Young-jin, Past Remarks Controversy... "Is It Natural for Men to Pay Dating Expenses? Isn't It Similar to Prostitution"

Broadcaster Jung Young-jin appeared on the past EBS program 'Kkachil Namnyeo' and made remarks. Photo by EBS from the 'Kkachil Namnyeo' broadcast capture.

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] Broadcaster Jung Young-jin, who was appointed as the new DJ of MBC Standard FM's 'Single Bungle Show,' is facing controversy over misogynistic remarks he made in the past.

On August 14, 2017, Jung Young-jin appeared on the EBS program 'Kkachil Namnyeo' and said, "Men usually pay for dates, and the attitude of women who take this for granted is not much different from prostitution in a broad sense."

He later said on a podcast, "There was a statement for which I received a lot of criticism," adding, "I said that women who receive dates from men without being thankful are, in a broad sense, prostitutes," which sparked public backlash.

As the controversy over these remarks intensified, the Korea Communications Standards Commission judged Jung's comments inappropriate in March of last year and issued a recommendation to the 'Kkachil Namnyeo' program.

Additionally, Jung Young-jin stirred controversy by saying, "The term 'Hannamchung' (a derogatory term for Korean men) does not offend me because it does not apply to me," and "Women who are offended by the term 'Kimchi-nyeo' (a derogatory term for Korean women) are those who are slightly 'Kimchi-nyeo' but deny it."

Some listeners criticized Jung Young-jin's appointment as the new DJ as inappropriate.

One listener said, "I have been listening to the 'Single Bungle Show' for over 30 years, from my grandmother to my mother," and criticized, "I am disappointed that a male host with a history of misogynistic controversy is coming to a program that used to be a friend to women."

Meanwhile, besides 'Kkachil Namnyeo,' Jung Young-jin has appeared on MBC's morning information program 'A Very Special Morning,' podcasts 'Jung Young-jin Choi Wook's Friday Night Show,' 'Jung Young-jin Choi Wook's Maebul Show,' and 'With the Gods,' among others.