[Full Text] "Please refrain from unreasonable speculation about the KBS Molka Incident"... Statement from 'KBS Gongchae 32-gi Gagman Ildong'

KBS Seoul Yeouido Building. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] KBS 32nd generation comedians recently issued an official statement regarding the hidden camera incident that occurred inside the KBS Research Building.

KBS 32nd generation comedian Lee Jae-yul wrote on his Instagram on the 5th, "We are more heartbroken and angry than anyone else that colleagues who have shared hardships for years have become victims in the illegal filming incident involving comedians that is currently circulating in the public," and added, "Above all, we want to express our solidarity with those who have been harmed by this incident."

Lee Jae-yul explained, "Although one person is being reported as a suspect while the investigation is still ongoing, no official facts other than that he is a KBS 32nd generation comedian have been revealed," and "We tried to contact the person reported by the media to uncover the truth of the situation, but communication has been cut off."

He stated, "The ones suffering the most in this situation are the victims, and the remaining colleagues are also struggling due to posts impersonating us and reckless accusations of suspects," and "The person reported by the media continues to avoid making a statement, but our colleagues are still unable to sleep due to feelings of betrayal and trauma. Watching this, I felt that we should not remain silent."

He continued, "The other 32nd generation comedians clearly state that they are not related to this incident and ask that unfounded speculation be refrained from," and emphasized, "As the investigation proceeds, we will unconditionally stand by the victims and work to prevent secondary harm to them."

Earlier, on the 29th of last month, an illegal filming camera was found in the women's restroom inside the KBS Research Building. Subsequently, on the 1st, suspect A voluntarily appeared at Yeongdeungpo Police Station.

Amid rampant speculation about the suspect, the YouTube channel 'Garosero Research Institute' suddenly mentioned KBS 32nd generation comedian Park Dae-seung, raising suspicions that he might be the suspect. Currently, Park Dae-seung has set his social network service (SNS) to private and has not made any statements.

KBS 32nd generation comedians recently expressed their stance on the controversy surrounding the illegal installation of cameras at KBS. Photo by comedian Lee Jae-yul, captured from his Instagram post.

Below is the full SNS statement from comedian Lee Jae-yul.

Hello, this is KBS 32nd generation comedian Lee Jae-yul.

Regarding the illegal filming incident involving comedians that is currently circulating in the public, we are more heartbroken and angry than anyone else that colleagues who have shared hardships for years have become victims. Above all, we want to express our solidarity with those who have been harmed by this incident.

Although one person is being reported as a suspect while the investigation is still ongoing, no official facts other than that he is a KBS 32nd generation comedian have been revealed. We tried to contact the person reported by the media to uncover the truth of the situation, but communication has been cut off. The ones suffering the most in this situation are the victims, and the remaining colleagues are also struggling due to posts impersonating us and reckless accusations of suspects.

The person reported by the media continues to avoid making a statement, but our colleagues are still unable to sleep due to feelings of betrayal and trauma. Watching this, I felt that we should not remain silent. The other 32nd generation comedians clearly state that they are not related to this incident and ask that unfounded speculation be refrained from. Also, as the investigation proceeds, we will unconditionally stand by the victims and act accordingly. We will also strive to prevent secondary harm to the victims.

We apologize and thank everyone who has been concerned.

- June 5, 2020, All KBS 32nd generation comedians -