[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Eun-young] GS Home Shopping apologized for Kim Saerom's careless remarks made during a live broadcast.
On the 24th, Kim Ho-sung, CEO of GS Home Shopping, bowed his head and said on his official Instagram, "I apologize regarding the 'Show Me The Trend' broadcast on the night of the 23rd."
GS Home Shopping stated, "Due to the inappropriate remarks made by the cast member during the broadcast, we caused disappointment to our customers and viewers," and added, "GS Home Shopping takes this situation seriously and feels a heavy sense of responsibility."
They continued, "To become a broadcast that empathizes with and shares with our customers, we have decided to temporarily suspend the program and will inspect the entire production system and process," and said, "We will ensure that such incidents do not recur. Once again, we sincerely apologize to our customers and viewers."
Earlier, broadcaster Kim Saerom sparked controversy with remarks targeting SBS's 'Unanswered Questions,' which aired at the same time, during her home shopping broadcast while promoting products. She said things like, "'Unanswered Questions' is over? That's not important right now."
At that time, SBS's 'Unanswered Questions' was airing a follow-up episode on the 'Jung In case,' a child abuse case involving adoptive parents that resulted in death, which had garnered nationwide attention. Kim's careless remarks immediately caused controversy online and provoked public outrage.
Netizens responded with comments such as, "'Unanswered Questions' is not important this time? Then what is important?", "Is GS Home Shopping only focused on selling products and completely indifferent to broadcasts that have caused national outrage?", and "The host's lighthearted remarks are very uncomfortable."
Even the home appliance 'Dyson,' which Kim was promoting at the time, became a target of criticism. One netizen said, "It's not time to watch 'Unanswered Questions,' but time to buy Dyson? Now I dislike Dyson too," and "Every time I see Dyson, I will think of this. This is really the worst. Issue an official apology," expressing their anger.
After Mr. Kim's remarks sparked controversy, a flood of protests from netizens followed. [Image source = Naver capture]
As the controversy spread, Kim quickly apologized on the early morning of the 24th on her Instagram, saying, "I am leaving this post with a repentant heart regarding my remarks about another program during the live broadcast I just finished."
Kim stated, "I was unaware that today's topic was about an incident that deeply saddened and angered me as well, and even if I had known, I am disappointed in myself for making careless remarks despite the program always covering important stories due to its nature," and added, "I will reflect on my reckless behavior while considering each criticism and comment. I am sorry."
However, despite Kim's apology, netizens responded coldly, saying, "Did you really not know that 'Unanswered Questions' was covering the Jung In case? Don't you check other broadcasters' schedules airing at the same time when planning home shopping broadcasts?" and "It lacks sincerity."
On the other hand, some defended Kim, saying, "Maybe she really didn't know," and "It seems like a slip of the tongue, but the criticism is excessive."
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