Lux Member Apologizes for Live Broadcast Genital Exposure Incident
It was recently revealed that Won Jong-hee, a member of the indie band ‘Lux,’ who was involved in an incident exposing private parts during a live music program 19 years ago, posted an apology video.
In a 55-second video uploaded to his YouTube channel last April, Won Jong-hee mentioned the past incident and apologized. He stated, “On July 30, 2005, 19 years ago from now, there was an incident of genital exposure during the live broadcast of MBC Music Camp,” and added, “I sincerely apologize once again to everyone for causing public outrage at that time.”
He continued, “I will live the rest of my life continually reflecting on my wrongdoing,” and “Even after the incident, I have been apologizing in various large and small settings in my own way for several years, but through this YouTube video, I sincerely apologize once again. I am truly sorry.” The video, which initially received little attention after being uploaded, was brought back into the spotlight last month on the 19th anniversary of the genital exposure incident when related articles were published.
The incident occurred during the first stage of the segment ‘Do You Like This Song,’ which introduces lesser-known musicians to the public during the live broadcast of MBC Music Camp in 2005. Lux, the band to which Won Jong-hee belongs, was not the direct party involved in the exposure. However, Lux was invited to this segment and performed on stage with members of other bands, which led to the worst broadcast accident.
At that time, members of the bands Couch and Spiky Brats suddenly took off their pants and ran around exposing their lower bodies during the performance. The camera quickly shifted direction, but this scene was broadcasted for about 7 seconds. Most of the live audience were teenagers who had come to the broadcasting station during their school vacation.
Immediately after the broadcast accident, Music Camp MCs Shin Ji and MC Mong apologized, and subtitles appeared stating, “We sincerely apologize for the unintended incident that caused controversy,” but the aftermath continued. MBC posted an apology on its homepage stating, “We apologize for causing unintended controversy due to an unpredictable sudden situation during an uncontrollable live broadcast,” and also issued an official apology through the 9 o’clock ‘News Desk.’
Ultimately, the segment ‘Do You Like This Song,’ which was intended to sequentially introduce talented hidden musicians in Hongdae, was canceled on the very day of its first broadcast. Furthermore, as a result of this incident, the indie music scene was stigmatized with the label of ‘decadent culture’ and was unable to appear on terrestrial broadcast stages for several years.
On the day of the incident, MBC decided to end Music Camp, causing the producer and staff in charge to lose their jobs. Producer Kwon Jae-young, who directed several KBS music programs such as ‘Immortal Songs,’ ‘Music Bank,’ and ‘Yoo Hee-yeol’s Sketchbook,’ mentioned this incident in a YouTube broadcast last May, saying, “Many people lost their jobs because of that broadcast,” and “One of them is my wife. She was the main writer of Music Camp at the time.”
The individuals who exposed their genitals were taken into custody by the police who arrived after the broadcast ended and were indicted on charges of public obscenity and obstruction of business. However, considering their youthful recklessness, lack of intent to obstruct business, and no prior criminal record, they were released on probation.
Netizens’ reactions to Won Jong-hee’s apology video have been cold. Comments on the video included, “If this wasn’t a conspiracy with Couch, you should have at least stopped laughing at the time of the worst genital exposure broadcast accident,” and “It’s better than not apologizing, but it feels too late.”
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