Production Team Apologizes and Promises to Strengthen Internal Procedures
The KBS entertainment program "Ask Me Anything," hosted by Seo Janghoon and Lee Soogeun, is facing controversy after its production team contacted the bereaved families of the accident victims for casting inquiries.
The production team of KBS entertainment program "Ask Me Anything" is causing controversy for contacting the bereaved families of the sinkhole accident in Gangdong-gu, Seoul for casting inquiries. Instagram capture
On April 30, A, a bereaved family member of the sinkhole accident that occurred in Gangdong-gu, Seoul, publicly criticized the production team of "Ask Me Anything" on social media. In a photo posted by A on social media, a person identifying themselves as a member of the "Ask Me Anything" production team cautiously reached out to the bereaved family, asking, "Would you be willing to receive counseling for your concerns?" After receiving this message, A expressed anger, saying, "Do you think this incident is suitable for entertainment?" and "Are there so many people at broadcasting companies or media outlets with abnormal ways of thinking?"
Another photo showed the production team apologizing, stating, "We apologize for not considering that our cautious casting inquiry might have made you feel uncomfortable." However, the production team emphasized that "Ask Me Anything" is not just a program that brings laughter to viewers, but rather a counseling program that deals with a variety of concerns from diverse people. They added, "We respectfully explain that our casting inquiry was not simply for an 'entertainment program,' as you may have thought." Nevertheless, A responded, "I want to ask if you contacted me because you think my current situation is suitable for your program," and expressed displeasure, saying, "If you had truly understood even a little how serious and sensitive what happened to my family is, you would not have approached me for casting in this way."
In response, the production team reiterated their apology and stated that they plan to strengthen their internal procedures related to casting.
Meanwhile, on March 24, a 20-meter-diameter sinkhole occurred at an intersection near Daemyeong Elementary School in Gangdong-gu, Seoul. As a result of this accident, a male motorcycle driver in his 30s, identified as B, lost his life, while a Carnival driver who narrowly avoided the collapse sustained minor injuries.
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