"Stop Pushing Hwang Young-woong"... 'Burning Trotman' Faces Flood of Complaints to Korea Communications Standards Commission

Dozens of Complaints Received After Broadcast on the 21st

MBN's 'Bultaneun Trotman' contestant and strong frontrunner Hwang Young-woong is facing allegations of being "pushed," sparking a flood of complaints to the Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC).

On the 27th, the KCSC revealed, as reported by Yonhap News, that dozens of complaints related to Hwang Young-woong have been received since the broadcast of 'Bultaneun Trotman' on the 21st.

Hwang Young-woong belongs to the same agency, Woori Entertainment, as the program's judge Jo Hang-jo, leading to suspicions that his agency is promoting him unfairly.

In response, Hwang's side clarified, "Hwang Young-woong is affiliated with Fine Entertainment, not Woori Entertainment." However, Fine Entertainment was found not to be registered as a cultural arts planning business, so the suspicions have not subsided.

MBN 'Bultaneun Trotman' Hwang Young-woong / Photo by 'Bultaneun Trotman' broadcast screen capture

Additionally, an official from Hwang Young-woong's fan club posted a notice last month about applying for tickets to the 'Bultaneun Trotman' finals. The notice was posted well before the finals were filmed, raising concerns that Hwang might have been pre-selected for the finals. This notice has since been deleted.

Regarding the controversy over Hwang being pushed, the 'Bultaneun Trotman' production team explained, "According to the scoring method for the finals, the real-time text vote score is the most decisive factor," adding, "We assure you that the system is designed so that no interference is possible." Concerning the finals tickets, they stated, "It was merely a misunderstanding related to encouraging event participation; no audience tickets were distributed," drawing a clear line.

Meanwhile, Hwang has also been embroiled in past controversies involving assault and injury charges. Following multiple claims of assault from friends during his school days, colleagues during military service, and former partners, Hwang issued an apology, saying, "I will meet the victims personally to ask for forgiveness," and "I sincerely ask for a chance to reflect on my past and live as a better person."

The production team acknowledged the controversy, stating, "There were prior checks and pledges during contestant selection, but regrettable situations have occurred due to practical limitations," yet they made no comment regarding Hwang's withdrawal from the show.

The 'Bultaneun Trotman' finals have already been recorded, with broadcasts scheduled for the 28th and March 7th. The preview also remains posted without any edits removing Hwang.

Some viewers pointed out the fairness issue by referencing how singer Jin Dallae, who was embroiled in school violence allegations during TV Chosun's 'Miss Trot 2' competition produced by the same team, was immediately withdrawn from the show.