Kim Jaehwan, Former Producer, Raises Allegations of Baek Jongwon’s Power Abuse
"Blocked 'Mister Trot' Contestant from Appearing on SBS with a Single Phone Call... The Contestant Was Kim Hojoong," He Claims
Baek Jongwon Denies, Saying "Even the President of a Broadcasting Company Cannot Do That"
Former MBC producer Kim Jaehwan has sparked controversy by claiming that Baek Jongwon, CEO of Theborn Korea, abused his power by pressuring broadcast production staff to block singer Kim Hojoong and a certain professor from appearing on television programs. Baek strongly denied these allegations, stating, "Even the president of a broadcasting company cannot make such decisions alone."
On May 13, Kim Jaehwan raised these suspicions in a video posted on his YouTube channel, "Studio Ojaena." In the video, Kim asserted, "The story of CEO Baek Jongwon blocking a TV Chosun 'Mister Trot' contestant from appearing on SBS with just a single phone call is very well known in the broadcasting industry," and claimed that the contestant Baek blocked was Kim Hojoong.
The incident is believed to have occurred around 2020, when SBS's "Baek Jongwon's Alley Restaurant" (hereafter "Alley Restaurant") and TV Chosun's "Mister Trot" were being broadcast. At the time, Baek was gaining popularity through programs such as "Alley Restaurant" and "Delicious Rendezvous" on SBS, but "Alley Restaurant" was suffering a ratings blow from "Mister Trot," which aired in the same time slot. In this context, SBS succeeded in casting Kim Hojoong, who had gained immense popularity from "Mister Trot," for a variety program, but according to Kim Jaehwan, Baek intervened to prevent his appearance.
Kim Jaehwan stated that he directly asked Baek about the situation at the time. According to Baek's response, as relayed by Kim, Baek, who was very attached to "Alley Restaurant," felt, "I'm fighting a ratings war against 'Mister Trot,' so allowing Kim Hojoong, who appeared on that show, to appear on an SBS variety program is unthinkable. Doesn't SBS have any pride?" Baek reportedly called the SBS variety department chief producer and said, "If the variety division casts a 'Mister Trot' contestant, I will withdraw from all SBS programs." However, Baek admitted, "To be honest, I didn't really mean it."
Kim Jaehwan criticized, "At that time, everyone wanted to cast Kim Hojoong, so if someone succeeded, the producer should have been praised. But with just one phone call from Baek, Kim Hojoong's appearance was blocked," adding, "Baek claims to be unfairly accused, but isn't this close to power abuse?" Kim further emphasized, "Baek used his influence and network to engage in power abuse." He also claimed, "Baek, through his close associate Han Kyunghoon, forced a university professor who had criticized him to leave a program and blocked the professor's appearances on other broadcasters as well," stating, "Kim Hojoong and this university professor were on Baek's blacklist."
However, Baek strongly denied the allegations of abusing his power within the broadcasting industry. He told Kim Jaehwan, "Even the president of a broadcasting company cannot make such decisions alone," and stressed, "It is impossible for me to block a specific individual from appearing." He added, "Broadcasting is the result of collaboration among many people. I do not believe I am in a position to make such decisions." Han Kyunghoon, the producer mentioned by Kim Jaehwan, also denied the abuse of power allegations and defended Baek in a recent interview with the media, stating, "(Baek) even sends gifts to drivers after holidays or at the end of a program, and is considerate toward all cast members and staff."
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