Final Decision on Sanctions Made at Korea Communications Standards Commission Plenary Meeting
Mr. Jeong Apologizes Sincerely on SNS
Show host Jung Yoon-jung's use of profanity during a home shopping broadcast is facing the risk of 'legal sanctions.' The final decision on sanctions will be made at the full meeting of the Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC).
The KCSC Advertising Review Subcommittee held a meeting on the 28th and, after hearing the production team's statement regarding Jung's profane broadcast, unanimously decided on a 'warning' and 'disciplinary action against related personnel,' which constitute legal sanctions.
The KCSC's decisions are categorized as 'no issue,' administrative guidance stages such as 'opinion presentation' and 'recommendation,' and legal sanctions including 'caution,' 'warning,' 'program correction/modification/suspension or disciplinary action against related personnel,' and 'penalty charges.' Legal sanctions can negatively impact future broadcast license renewals or approvals.
At the statement session, a representative from Hyundai Home Shopping said, "The management verbally warned the performer, posted an apology letter signed by the CEO on the website, and is reviewing the system to prevent recurrence of the same issue." They added, "Although late, please consider that she realized and reflected on her actions," and "There has never been such an incident in 20 years."
However, the review committee members criticized Jung's inappropriate behavior during the broadcast. Commissioner Ok Si-chan remarked, "Was she possessed by a ghost? It may sound rude, but that's how it seemed."
Commissioner Kim Yoo-jin also said, "Looking at the broadcasting style of the performer (Jung), this was a predictable accident," and pointed out, "Despite repeatedly showing inappropriate personal emotions on other broadcasts, the production team clearly failed to manage her in advance to prevent crossing the line." She emphasized, "Product sales broadcasts involve real-time interaction between sellers and viewers, so it was like swearing directly in front of the viewers' faces, and due to insufficient follow-up measures, legal sanctions are inevitable."
Commissioner Heo Yeon-hoe also raised her voice, saying, "Even individual YouTubers don't swear like this. I feel insulted on behalf of the entire home shopping channel," and added, "After swearing, Jung asked, 'Can't you just see it as entertainment?' but entertainment programs do not include swearing."
Chairperson Jung Yeon-joo stated, "She did not officially apologize after swearing and only apologized after the issue was adopted as a KCSC agenda item," adding, "It seems she did not take the matter seriously."
However, Commissioner Kim Woo-seok said, "Since Jung is a freelancer, I am not sure if the home shopping company can be held heavily responsible for management," and excluded disciplinary action against related personnel, suggesting only a 'warning.'
Earlier, on January 28, Jung used profanity during a live home shopping broadcast because the cosmetics she was selling had sold out, but she said she could not end the broadcast quickly.
When the production team requested a correction of her remarks, Jung said, "I apologize for occasionally using inappropriate language during broadcasts, but please view it as entertainment," and added, "Can't home shopping also enter the era of entertainment?"
As the controversy grew, Jung apologized through her social media (SNS). On the 17th, she stated, "I acknowledge the use of profanity and sincerely bow my head in apology to the precious customers who may have been hurt and all broadcasting personnel," and promised, "I will live with more responsibility, humility, and a spirit of repayment."
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