Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2022
KBS drama faces animal-abuse allegations
Public backlash
KBS’s drama “The King of Tears, Lee Bang-won” faced allegations of animal abuse from animal-protection groups and viewers over a scene in which a horse appeared to fall during filming. KARA suspected the horse was made to fall using a rope tied to its hind legs. KBS later removed behind-the-scenes footage as criticism grew.
Company response
Remediation — KBS
The video was initially uploaded by KBS on its YouTube channel but was removed later as criticisms grew.
Source excerpt
The video was initially uploaded by KBS on its YouTube channel but was removed later as criticisms grew.
KARA suspects the horse was made to fall by a rope tied to its back legs, for the filming of a scene where a character falls from the horse.
KBS drama “The King of Tears, Lee Bang-won” is facing allegations of animal abuse from animal protection groups and viewers over a scene from the seventh episode which aired on Jan. 1.
2021
KBS responds to criticism of questions asked to Brave Girls
Company response
After viewers criticized questions selected for a video featuring Brave Girls, KBS producers deleted the questions and apologized to viewers and fans, but did not apologize directly to the group.
Company response
Apology — KBS
Following the criticism, KBS deleted the controversial questions in the video and posted an apology at the beginning of the video.
Remediation — KBS
Following the criticism, KBS deleted the controversial questions in the video and posted an apology at the beginning of the video.
Source excerpt
Following the criticism, KBS deleted the controversial questions in the video and posted an apology at the beginning of the video.
Producers at broadcaster KBS apologized to fans on Friday for controversial questions asked to K-pop girl group Brave Girls in a YouTube video, but stopped short of apologizing to Brave Girls.
The questions included “When are you going to get married?” and “Do you think you are an ‘ajumma’ (middle-aged woman) now that you are almost 30.”
2021
KBS faces criticism over Japanese-style castle backdrop
Public backlash
KBS faced criticism after using a Japanese-style castle backdrop during a traditional Korean music performance. KBS said it did not intend to copy a Japanese castle, apologized to viewers and the performing group, and said it would remove the show video from online channels.
Company response
Apology — KBS
We can clearly state that the castle is an imaginary one and we did not intend to copy a Japanese castle. However, we would like to apologize to viewers who felt uncomfortable. In addition, we are sorry for making the band feel uncomfortable.
Remediation — KBS
KBS added that it would delete the video of the show from online channels and promised to do its best not to make such mistake again.
Denial — KBS
We can clearly state that the castle is an imaginary one and we did not intend to copy a Japanese castle.
Source excerpt
The controversy grew as some Korean netizens get upset about any reference to Japan due to the negative sentiment against the country. They said it was inappropriate to adopt references to other countries to describe Korea's traditions.
The apology was made to the audience and Leenalchi, the group performing, for the show Joseon Pop Again that aired Feb. 11.
Public broadcasting network KBS apologized Wednesday after one of its Lunar New Year specials came under fire for showcasing “traditional” Korean music against a backdrop of a Japanese-style castle.
2019
KBS apologizes over helicopter-crash video
Company response
KBS apologized for a staffer's filming of the helicopter's takeoff without prior permission, his denial of having the video, and the broadcaster's airing of the clip without thoroughly confirming the process.
Company response
Apology — KBS
As the controversy grew, KBS issued a statement late Sunday, saying, “We deeply apologize for the staffer's filming of the takeoff without prior permission, his denial of having the video, and our airing of the clip yesterday without thoroughly confirming the process.”
Source excerpt
As the controversy grew, KBS issued a statement late Sunday, saying, “We deeply apologize for the staffer's filming of the takeoff without prior permission, his denial of having the video, and our airing of the clip yesterday without thoroughly confirming the process.”