Animal Rights Group Accuses 'Taejong Yi Bang-won' Production Team of Animal Abuse

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] Animal protection organizations have filed a complaint with the police against the production team of the KBS historical drama 'Taejong Yi Bang-won' on charges of animal abuse, following the death of a horse that was forcibly knocked down during the filming of a fall scene.

According to the police on the 21st, the animal rights organization 'KARA' filed a complaint the previous day at the Mapo Police Station in Seoul against the person in charge of the 'Taejong Yi Bang-won' filming site for violating the Animal Protection Act.

KARA stated, "KBS officially expressed its position on this incident as a 'regrettable event' or 'unfortunate incident,' but this horrific situation is not a simple accident or mistake; it is a clearly intentional act of animal abuse meticulously planned through direction," adding, "As a public broadcaster operated by license fees, KBS should not simply conclude this situation with an apology at the level of a 'regrettable event.'"

The Korea Animal Protection Association also filed a complaint against the drama production team at the Yeongdeungpo Police Station for violating the Animal Protection Act. They claimed, "We received internal reports that such incidents are frequent in 'Taejong Yi Bang-won,' including killing wild animals and breaking birds' legs."

KARA and the Animal Freedom Union released a video on the 19th showing a horse with its leg tied to a wire collapsing to the ground at the 'Taejong Yi Bang-won' filming site.