[Focus] Minefield of the Entertainment Industry... Are Contestant Verifications Reliable?

'I Am Solo', 'Bult', and 'Physical 100' Controversies
Repeated Contestant Verification Issues Under Scrutiny
Is It Possible to Investigate Non-Celebrities' Private Lives?

The world of popular culture is in turmoil due to a series of revelations. Recently, non-celebrity participants have frequently appeared in popular content. As they receive intense attention through broadcasts, the popularity and influence they enjoy are considerable. Therefore, verification is essential. In an era where unexpected content becomes a hit overnight, production teams must establish thorough guidelines and conduct verification before casting, considering the potential ripple effects.

Several recent popular programs have faced controversies over the personalities of their participants. A claim surfaced that a male participant in the dating show "I am Solo" transmitted a sexually transmitted disease. In the trot survival program "Bultaneun Trotman", a leading candidate for the championship was accused of past assault convictions and violence. The physical strength competition program "Physical: 100" faced controversies over school violence involving a participant, followed by a police investigation into allegations of assaulting a girlfriend.

These incidents are too frequent to be coincidental. What is the problem?

Privacy Exposure by Ex-Girlfriend of 'I am Solo' Participant

Recently, a post claiming infection with a sexually transmitted disease from Mr. A, a male participant in the 13th season of the ENA·SBS Plus variety show "I am Solo", was published online.

Ms. B posted a message titled "The I am Solo participant who caused me terrible pain" on an online community. She claimed, "I was infected with herpes simplex virus type 2 by Mr. A, a man in his late 30s who appeared on a dating program featuring non-celebrities." She added, "I suffered greatly and am writing this to prevent harm to many others. Seeing him on the recent broadcast brought to the surface the suppressed injustice and mental anguish I endured."

In response to the controversy, participant Mr. A denied the claims, stating, "The post is not true." However, he added, "Because I sincerely cared for that person, it would be painful for both of us if it escalated to that extent." He said, "I had much to say and felt wronged, but I remained silent because it might negatively affect the broadcast or that person."

He also pleaded, "I earnestly ask that further mentions of my private life be refrained from," and apologized, "I am sorry for causing concern to many."

The production team issued an apology on the 22nd and promised to prevent recurrence. The "I am Solo" team said, "We deeply regret this. We will create the program more carefully and thoughtfully to avoid discomfort for viewers." They added, "We will consider the positions of all participants who gave their best during filming and strive to make the program more beloved."

Assault and Tattoo Allegations Against Hwang Young-woong of 'Bultaneun Trotman'

The once-successful MBN variety show "Bultaneun Trotman" now faces a crisis. Participant Hwang Young-woong ranked first in the national vote upon the first broadcast on December 20 last year and recently secured first place in the semifinals, making him a strong contender for the championship.

Recently, a YouTuber claimed that Hwang Young-woong has a past assault record. The YouTuber invited Mr. A, who alleges he was assaulted by Hwang, to a personal broadcast. Mr. A claimed that during a birthday party with friends, a verbal altercation with Hwang escalated, and Hwang punched him and kicked his face while he was down. Mr. A said he filed a complaint against Hwang, but Hwang counter-sued for mutual assault, and the case was settled with a 3 million KRW payment for medical expenses. Mr. A also stated, "Hwang Young-woong does not deserve the support of many people."

As the controversy grew, the "Bultaneun Trotman" production team found themselves in a difficult position. They had recently completed recording the final stage, with related shoots scheduled consecutively. Facing mounting criticism, the production team explained on the 23rd, "During auditions, we obtained consent from applicants to check for disqualifying factors and collected written pledges as part of internal procedures."

They added, "The participant in question, like others, sincerely worked hard for his dream and inspired many. The sudden controversy over his past is very embarrassing for the production team." They also stated, "There are limits to thoroughly investigating an individual's past. We ask for understanding as fact-finding is taking time. We will provide updates after promptly assessing the situation."

The YouTuber who exposed the incident later revealed a complaint document showing that Mr. A's assault case ended with a summary indictment and a final fine in 2016. The YouTuber also claimed that Hwang Young-woong, born in 1994, was known as a local 'iljin' (delinquent). He allegedly assaulted young students in the neighborhood over a long period, causing them suffering. Furthermore, Hwang was exposed for having Irezumi tattoos, known as Yakuza-style tattoos, on both arms and his body during high school, criticizing the production team's attempts to cover up.

"Bultaneun Trotman" proceeded to release the Top 8 special talk show on Naver Now at 6 PM on the 24th as scheduled. Following this, voices condemning any form of violence surged. The production team has yet to issue a definitive stance ahead of the finals broadcasts on the 28th and next month’s 7th.

Controversies Surrounding 'Physical: 100' Continue Unfolding

The online video service (OTT) Netflix variety show "Physical: 100" has been plagued by consecutive participant controversies. Despite achieving global number one popularity, it was marred by numerous issues including school violence, threats, and assault until the very end.

The show depicts a survival game among 100 men and women who pride themselves on having the strongest physical bodies, competing to find the ultimate physique. All nine episodes were released starting from the 24th of last month.

With high public interest came many controversies. On the 14th, a post appeared on an online community claiming that participant Mr. A was a school violence perpetrator. The author, Ms. B, wrote, "I attended the same middle school as A. For one year when I was a first-year and A was a third-year, my friends and I lived in hell." She alleged, "We were extorted for money and assaulted at a karaoke room by A." The stunt actor Kim Da-young was identified as the school violence perpetrator but blocked comments on her social media account and did not respond.

On the 21st, male participant Mr. C was embroiled in allegations of self-harm and threats. Gangnam Police Station transferred Mr. C to the prosecution last year on charges of threats. According to the police, Mr. C, angered by a breakup notice from his ex-girlfriend, repeatedly hit his face with a broomstick and banged his head against a desk and walls, engaging in self-harm. He is accused of causing his girlfriend to abandon the breakup and continue their relationship.

Two days later, on the 23rd, Gangnam Police announced they are investigating former national athlete Mr. D on charges including special assault. Mr. D was under police investigation for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend. Police responded to a report from Mr. D’s girlfriend around 10:50 AM in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, and took Mr. D in for questioning. A weapon was found at the scene, and police plan to investigate whether it was actually used.

Is Verification of Non-Celebrity Participants Possible?

Controversies over verifying participants in broadcast content are not new. It is widely agreed that fully verifying the private lives of non-celebrities is difficult compared to well-known stars. Establishing a practical verification system is realistically challenging.

One production official said, "The production team verifies official documents such as participants' education, age, and background, but cannot grasp individual private lives, nor is there a system in place. We only obtain signed pledges agreeing to appear on the show and take responsibility if issues arise. This is a limitation of non-celebrity programs."

He continued, "We have no choice but to rely strictly on individuals' conscience. Many perpetrators do not consider their actions serious. It is common to dismiss issues as insignificant. If concealment is intentional, it becomes a bigger problem. If someone deliberately hides something, there is no way to find out."

Another official noted, "Most non-celebrity participants appear to gain fame. Many take the approach of getting on the show first to get their face known." He added, "Non-celebrity content carries risks, and it is practically impossible to build a thorough verification system for the private lives of all participants."