KBS Apologizes for Airing Butterfly Featuring 'Kimigayo' on Liberation Day: "No Intent to Praise Japanese Imperialism"

"Kimigayo, Used as Background with Variations, Difficult for General Audience to Recognize"
"Broadcast Delayed Twice Due to Cancellations... Apology for Causing Concern on Gwangbokjeol"

KBS explained that there was "no intention to praise or glorify Japanese imperialism" regarding the broadcast of the opera "Madama Butterfly," which features the Japanese national anthem Kimigayo, on Liberation Day.

On the 27th, KBS stated in a response on the viewer petition board, "We once again apologize to our viewers for the discomfort and concern caused by broadcasting Puccini's opera 'Madama Butterfly,' which included the melody of the Japanese Kimigayo as part of the background music on August 15."

KBS added, "After the broadcast, we investigated the facts regarding the production, broadcasting circumstances, and scheduling process, and we are preparing measures to prevent recurrence."

KBS explained, "There was absolutely no intention to praise or glorify Japanese imperialism. This opera depicts the tragic story of a geisha who became the local wife of an American officer stationed in Japan, losing her child and taking her own life. It is difficult to see the airing of such an opera as an attempt to praise Japanese imperialism."

They also stated, "The melody of Kimigayo was used for 9 seconds as accompaniment to the male actor's monologue during the wedding scene of the male and female protagonists, followed by a 6-second variation of two bars of the melody. Experts have noted that Puccini arranged the original Kimigayo melody with Western harmonies, making it generally difficult for the average audience to recognize."

Regarding the timing of the broadcast, KBS explained, "Originally, it was not scheduled for Liberation Day, but due to two preemptions caused by the 2024 Paris Olympic broadcasts, it was aired at midnight on August 15, two weeks later than initially planned. It was an unexpected broadcast on Liberation Day."

Furthermore, KBS said, "'KBS Joonggyeseok' is classified as 'production team delegated review,' where the production team is responsible for the entire process from production to broadcast without prior review by the review office. After the responsible producer submitted this work for scheduling, they went on sabbatical starting in August, so the broadcast content was not shared with the same production or scheduling departments."

KBS apologized, saying, "Regardless of the reasons, we apologize for causing concern to our viewers on Liberation Day by failing to carefully check and confirm even the smallest details. Taking this incident as an opportunity, we will strengthen prior reviews for programs broadcast during important dates such as Independence Movement Day, the Korean War anniversary, Liberation Day, Hangul Day, Lunar New Year, and Chuseok."

Earlier, KBS faced criticism and apologized after scheduling the opera "Madama Butterfly," which features Kimigayo and the traditional Japanese costume kimono, on August 15, Liberation Day, on 1TV's "KBS Joonggyeseok." The critical post on the viewer petition board received over 16,900 endorsements.