"Sorry for Causing Trouble in Korea"... Japanese Broadcaster President Finally Bows in Apology

Japanese Comedian's "Mangwon Market Hygiene Incident" Sparks Outrage
TBS President Issues Apology to Korean Store
Public Apology Follows Ongoing Controversy Despite Repeated Statements

Regarding the incident in which a Japanese comedian sampled food for sale at Mangwon Market in Mapo-gu, Seoul, using a toothpick he had already put in his mouth, the president of the Japanese broadcaster responsible for the program has issued a public apology.

According to Japanese media on June 1, Takashi Sasaki, president of TBS, said at a regular executive meeting held the previous day, "We deeply apologize for causing significant trouble to the store and those involved in Korea, as well as for causing discomfort to our viewers." A senior official from TBS’s programming department also bowed his head, stating, "The production team is responsible for the program. There was a lack of consideration during the production process."

Japanese local media such as Chunichi Sports reported on the 2nd that famous comedian Hiroshi Yamasoe (37) was criticized for visiting Korea and engaging in unsanitary behavior on the TBS show "Rabbit!".
[Photo by TBS "Rabbit!"]

The program at the center of the controversy is "LOVE it!" (Rabbit!), a morning information show that aired on TBS on May 2. During the broadcast, popular Japanese comedian Hiroshi Yamazoe, who was experiencing tourism in Korea, visited a Dakgangjeong (sweet crispy fried chicken) shop in Mangwon Market and used a toothpick he had already put in his mouth to pick up and eat chicken pieces displayed for sale. The startled shop owner drew a large 'X' with his arms and exclaimed, "Absolutely not," in shock. Three other Japanese cast members who were also experiencing Mangwon Market with him tried to stop him, saying, "No," and "This is not proper manners."

However, Yamazoe brushed off the situation without offering a proper apology, jokingly saying "Rabbitssoyo"-a forced blend of the Korean word "masisseoyo" (delicious) and the program's name.

This scene later became a topic of controversy in Japanese media and online. Internet media outlets published articles criticizing Yamazoe's inappropriate behavior. There was also strong local backlash, with comments such as "He damaged the image of Japanese tourists" and "He lacks common sense."

TBS has continued to apologize regarding the incident. On the 6th, the broadcaster, through an announcer, stated, "We have received various criticisms from viewers. We deeply reflect on the inappropriate behavior," and added, "We have apologized directly to the store." On the 8th, the program's MC, Akira Kawashima, bowed once again, saying, "I am truly sorry to those in Korea who were inconvenienced by the segment filmed on the 2nd, and to viewers who felt uncomfortable."

However, as the controversy failed to subside, the president ultimately issued a direct public apology to both viewers and the store in Mangwon Market.