The Horse That Died After Filming the Fall of 'Taejong Yi Bang-won' Was the Retired Racehorse 'Kami'

The fall scene in episode 7 of the KBS drama 'Taejong Yi Bang-won'.
[Photo by KBS 'Taejong Yi Bang-won' capture]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seoyoung Kwon] It has been revealed that the horse that died after filming a fall scene in the KBS drama "Taejong Yi Bang-won," which sparked controversy over animal abuse, was a retired racehorse named "Kami."

On the 21st, the animal rights organization Kara stated through social media (SNS), "According to Kara's confirmation, the horse used in the broadcast was a retired racehorse named 'Kami'." Kara added, "Kami lived his entire life for human entertainment and ultimately collapsed and died. We hope that no animals like Kami will be exploited and killed anymore, and that society can move toward a place where no animals are harmed."

Furthermore, Kara stated, "Including 'Taejong Yi Bang-won,' many animals have been used as props in numerous dramas, movies, and other media, suffering serious injuries or even death." They emphasized, "Although it is late, animal appearance media guidelines must be applied to all broadcasting productions from now on."

On the 20th, Kara filed a complaint with the Mapo Police Station in Seoul against the person responsible for filming "Taejong Yi Bang-won" on charges of violating the Animal Protection Act. Additionally, the Korea Animal Protection Union held a press conference on the 21st in front of the KBS headquarters in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, condemning the drama production team for deliberately causing the horse to fall and die during the filming of the fall scene, and subsequently filed a complaint with the Yeongdeungpo Police Station. Moreover, a petition demanding the suspension of the drama's broadcast and punishment was posted on the Blue House's public petition board, gaining support from over 50,000 people.

Earlier, "Taejong Yi Bang-won" became embroiled in controversy over animal abuse during the filming of a scene in episode 7, aired on the 1st, where the protagonist Yi Seong-gye (played by Kim Young-chul) falls off a horse. On the 19th, Animal Freedom Union issued a statement accusing "Taejong Yi Bang-won" of abusing horses during filming and released footage of the filming on SNS on the 20th. The released footage showed a wire tied to the horse's leg to forcibly knock it down and the horse showing signs of distress.

Subsequently, KBS issued an official statement revealing that the horse died one week after filming and apologized, saying, "We cannot help but feel a deep sense of responsibility for this unfortunate incident." They also stated, "We sincerely apologize to viewers for failing to prevent the accident and for the unfortunate event that occurred," and confirmed the suspension of the replay service of episode 7, which contains the fall scene, and a two-week broadcast hiatus.