'Why is Chinese appearing on the screen...' Bae Yoon-jung suspected of illegal streaming of 'Penthouse'

Choreographer Bae Yoon-jung. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Eun-young] Choreographer Bae Yoon-jung has unexpectedly been caught up in allegations of illegal streaming of a drama.

On the 13th, she posted a video on her social media (SNS) with the caption, "Just play a game instead."

The released video shows Bae Yoon-jung's husband, who is 11 years her junior, watching the hit SBS drama "Penthouse" belatedly during the Lunar New Year holiday.

SNS of Mr. Bae, who was involved in the controversy over 'illegal streaming.' / Photo by Bae Yoon-jung SNS capture

However, some netizens who saw the video expressed suspicion, pointing out that there were unidentified Chinese characters at the bottom right corner of the "Penthouse" screen.

It was revealed that the Chinese characters correspond to a number used by those who provide Korean drama subtitles in China. This led to suspicions that Bae Yoon-jung and her husband might have used files illegally distributed on Chinese sites for "illegal streaming."

Netizens responded with comments such as, "How much does it cost to watch again that you resort to illegal downloads?", "Illegal streaming seems more troublesome than legal," and "No ethics among industry people," expressing their displeasure.

Currently, the related content has been deleted from Bae Yoon-jung's SNS.

Actor Kim Ji-hoon. Photo by Yonhap News

Previously, several celebrities including actors Kim Ji-hoon and Lee Soo-min caused similar controversies when scenes of them watching illegally downloaded movies and dramas were broadcast.

In November last year, Kim Ji-hoon appeared on MBC's "I Live Alone," where he was shown watching the HBO MAX drama "Raised by Wolves," which is not legally available in Korea, at home. After the controversy, he apologized, saying, "As an actor, I deeply apologize for not properly recognizing copyright issues and acting accordingly."

On the 2nd of last month, Lee Soo-min faced criticism over a movie playback screen she posted on her SNS. The specific internet site address and subtitles displayed at the bottom of the playback screen were pointed out as likely not being officially purchased.

In response, Lee admitted, "I regret watching the movie through an illegal site," and bowed her head in apology.