[Comprehensive] Kim Mina Apologizes for 'Minor Sexual Harassment Controversy' Saying "I Will Be Careful with My Words and Actions"

Broadcaster and former JTBC weathercaster Kim Min-a apologized for inappropriate remarks and behavior toward a minor, which sparked a 'sexual harassment controversy.' Photo by YouTube capture

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kang Joo-hee] Broadcaster Kim Min-ah, a former JTBC weathercaster, apologized for inappropriate remarks and behavior toward a minor that sparked a 'sexual harassment controversy.'

On the 1st, Kim Min-ah posted on her Instagram, "I sincerely apologize for causing concern to viewers due to careless remarks and behavior on the YouTube channel 'Government of the Republic of Korea' in 'What The Back Season 2,'" and issued an apology statement.

Kim Min-ah said, "During the process of video calling with citizens, I filmed with a student participant, and during that process, my excessive remarks occurred," adding, "I clearly recognize the mistake of bringing personal matters into a broadcast and mocking them. It was a shameful act, and I will never repeat it."

She continued, "I will also properly apologize to the student's mother and family members, as well as the student involved," and added, "I promise to take full responsibility for my wrongdoing and personally apologize to everyone who was hurt. I will be especially careful with my words and actions and avoid seeking sensationalism."

Earlier, Kim Min-ah conducted an online interview with a male student in a video released in May on the official YouTube channel of the Government of the Republic of Korea, 'What The Back Season 2.'

At that time, Kim Min-ah made remarks such as "You have a lot of energy at this age, how do you release it?", "What do you do when you are alone at home?", and "Why are you laughing? Are you thinking the same as me?" which sparked controversy. Some netizens pointed out that these remarks contained sexual implications and labeled them as 'sexual harassment.'

As the controversy spread, the 'What The Back' production team explained in a channel notice on the 1st, "'What The Back' was planned as a YouTube corner for direct communication with the public under the concept of 'bag searching,' and Season 2 was composed of non-face-to-face meetings with citizens who were difficult to meet in person due to COVID-19, through the screen."

They added, "There were opinions that some parts of the conversation between the student participant and the corner host Kim Min-ah were inappropriate, so we have edited those parts to improve the completeness of the episode and temporarily set the video to private. We sincerely apologize for causing discomfort to the viewers."

The full text of Kim Min-ah's apology follows.

Hello, this is Kim Min-ah.

I sincerely apologize for causing concern to viewers due to careless remarks and behavior on the YouTube channel 'Government of the Republic of Korea' in 'What The Back Season 2.'

During the process of video calling with citizens, I filmed with a student participant, and during that process, my excessive remarks occurred. I clearly recognize the mistake of bringing personal matters into a broadcast and mocking them. It was a shameful act, and I will never repeat it.

On the day of filming, I also had a video call with the student's mother to greet her, but since I did not have personal contact information, I just informed the production team that I wanted to apologize directly. I will properly apologize to the mother, family members, and the student involved.

I should have posted this earlier, but due to today's schedule, I am only now offering my apology. I promise to take full responsibility for my wrongdoing and personally apologize to everyone who was hurt. I am sorry.

I will be especially careful with my words and actions and avoid seeking sensationalism.