[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-ju] Broadcaster Jang Sung-kyu (38) was sued after sharing the 5 million won prize money he received at a year-end awards ceremony with fellow PDs.
On the 13th, Jang Sung-kyu revealed on his Instagram, "I was sued because I shared the 5 million won prize money I received as the Excellent Radio DJ award at the end of last year with those around me."
Jang said, "At first, I was taken aback. I thought it wasn’t money I should keep, and since it was for a good cause and a gift without any expectation of return, I even told the PDs who initially refused the money that if it was considered a bribe, they could quit the radio show, and I forced them to accept it."
He continued, "As expected, the four PDs who received 200,000 won each said it violated the rules and returned the money, saying they would only accept the sentiment."
He added, "My thinking was short-sighted. I was so self-absorbed that I didn’t realize it could make someone uncomfortable or even violate the law."
Earlier, on December 25 last year, Jang posted, "I received a big award #GoodMorningfmJangSungkyu and I shared this prize money with the true owners #Proud."
The Improper Solicitation and Graft Act (Kim Young-ran Act), enacted in 2016, prohibits public officials, journalists, teachers, and others from receiving bribes or gifts of a certain value or more.
Full text of Jang Sung-kyu’s Instagram post.
I was investigated. I was sued because I shared the 5 million won prize money I received as the Excellent Radio DJ award at the end of last year with those around me.
At first, I was taken aback. I thought it wasn’t money I should keep, and since it was for a good cause and a gift without any expectation of return, I even told the PDs who initially refused the money that if it was considered a bribe, they could quit the radio show, and I forced them to accept it. As expected, the four PDs who received 200,000 won each said it violated the rules and returned the money, saying they would only accept the sentiment.
My thinking was short-sighted. I was proud of myself for sharing the prize money and posted about it. I was so self-absorbed that I didn’t realize it could make someone uncomfortable or even violate the law. No matter how good and pure my intentions were, I realized that not everything can be good. I will strive to become a more thoughtful broadcaster in the future.
The punishment has not yet been decided, but I will accept any penalty gracefully. If any harm comes to the colleagues who received the money, I promise to take full responsibility. I will end my post here.
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