Joo Jin-woo Radio "Don't Be Scared, SsiX!" Profanity Administrative Guidance Sanction

On the 8th, regarding the broadcast of profanity on the terrestrial radio TBS program 'Anin Bamjung-e Jujinwoo Imnida,' the Korea Communications Standards Commission issued an administrative guidance 'recommendation.'
Photo by TBS homepage screen capture

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kang Juhee] The Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC) has issued an administrative guidance 'recommendation' decision regarding the use of profanity during the broadcast of the terrestrial radio TBS program 'Anin Bamjung-e Joo Jinwoo Imnida' (It's Not Midnight, It's Joo Jinwoo).

At the Broadcasting Subcommittee meeting held on the 8th, the KCSC judged that actor and director Hwang Byeongguk's two instances of profanity, including "Jjoljima, ssiX!" (Don't chicken out, ssiX!), during the May 4 broadcast violated Article 51 (Broadcast Language) Paragraph 3 of the Broadcasting Review Regulations, and resolved to issue a 'recommendation.'

Among the five members of the Broadcasting Subcommittee, three members recommended by the ruling party issued the recommendation opinion, while two members recommended by the opposition party proposed caution and fines, respectively.

It is unusual that despite two instances of profanity being mentioned on terrestrial broadcasting, the decision was limited to a recommendation, an administrative guidance measure. Unlike statutory sanctions such as 'caution,' 'warning,' or 'fine,' administrative guidance does not affect the broadcaster's re-approval evaluation by deducting points.

Previously, during the broadcast, Hwang said he was planning a movie featuring host Joo Jinwoo and described the final scene of the movie, saying, "Fans of reporter Joo suddenly rush in and say, 'Jjoljima, ssiX!' just like that."

In response, Joo said, "You just said that on the broadcast. Director, what should we do?" However, when Joo asked Hwang to explain the scene again, Hwang repeated the profanity, saying, "So it's exactly 'Jjoljima, ssiX!' Ah, sorry, sorry."

The KCSC has generally imposed statutory sanctions when profanity, rather than mere vulgar language, was mentioned in broadcasts.

In 2018, former lawmaker Jeong Bongju received a statutory sanction warning on SBS's 'Jeong Bongju's Political Show' for repeatedly using the expression 'yeolyeodeol' (eighteen), which was interpreted as implying profanity during the broadcast.