KBS's Response to the Petition "Tolerance for Genius Artist Kim Ho-joong"

"Significant Impact on the Personality and Emotions of Children and Adolescents"
"May Be Strengthened or Lifted Depending on the Court Ruling"

KBS has responded to a petition from fans requesting leniency regarding the 'temporary suspension of broadcast appearances' of singer Kim Ho-joong, who was arrested on charges of drunk hit-and-run.

On the 5th, KBS replied after a post titled 'Rebuttal to the removal of singer Kim Ho-joong from broadcasts' on the viewer petition board received over 1,000 endorsements. If a viewer petition receives 1,000 endorsements within 30 days of posting, KBS is required to provide an official response.

KBS stated, "We understand the intent of the petitioners who cherish the artist and his talent and appeal for social tolerance," but added, "However, Kim Ho-joong was already arrested on May 24 on charges of ‘drunk hit-and-run,’ and he has admitted to drunk driving. Considering that, as a popular entertainer, his illegal actions have drawn significant social and public concern, especially as they greatly impact the healthy personality development and emotional growth of children and adolescents, KBS could not avoid taking a series of measures."

KBS further explained that the decision on April 29 to impose a 'temporary suspension of broadcast appearances' on Kim Ho-joong "was a provisional measure before a legal judgment is made, and the level of regulation may be strengthened or lifted after a review based on the trial results."

The KBS viewer petition board became a battleground of sharply divided opinions as posts both supporting and opposing Kim Ho-joong’s removal were posted one after another.

Earlier, on the 26th of last month, a post titled 'Rebuttal to the removal of singer Kim Ho-joong from broadcasts ? The positive influence of Kim Ho-joong, an artist who donated about 10 billion won' was uploaded. The author of the post argued in a lengthy text that although Kim Ho-joong’s crime is regrettable, society needs the generosity to embrace him again after he has paid his dues. The author described Kim Ho-joong as "an artist born with a voice that comes once in a century," and wrote, "We should cherish Kim Ho-joong’s genius talent and allow him to reflect and be reborn as a new person. While the law requires cold judgment, society needs tolerance that embraces and supports at least once." This post received over 1,400 endorsements by the 3rd.

On the other hand, petitions demanding Kim Ho-joong’s permanent removal from broadcasts also surged. These posts included statements such as "People who commit such crimes should never be allowed to appear on broadcasts again" and "We request a permanent ban on appearances." KBS maintained the same stance expressed in response to the petitions appealing for leniency, even in the face of multiple petitions demanding Kim Ho-joong’s removal.