EBS Animation 'Potendog' Violence Controversy

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyungsoo] During the National Assembly audit, concerns were raised that the EBS animation 'Potendog' contains violent scenes inappropriate for children to watch.

On the 12th, Kim Sanghee, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, pointed out at the National Assembly Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting Committee audit, "Potendog includes violent scenes such as illegal filming, animal abuse, and bullying."

She added, "It is surprising to see such content in a children's cartoon broadcast on an educational channel."

Yoon Youngchan, also from the Democratic Party of Korea, said, "(Children's programs) do not even show adults drinking alcohol or smoking," and emphasized, "Violence is not only physical actions."

In response to the criticism, Kim Myungjoong, president of EBS, promised to prevent recurrence, stating, "Since it is produced externally, we will thoroughly review harmful content from the planning stage."

'Potendog' is an animation about dogs with superpowers fighting villains. It was created with the intention of reconsidering the relationship between dogs and humans through the perspective of dogs.

After a civic group raised concerns about the violence in 'Potendog' last August, EBS launched intensive monitoring by internal and external experts. The viewing age rating was raised from 7 to 12 years old.