The PD’s only ugly ‘us’ bastard. In other words, you are the ugly ‘you’ to the viewers.
Broadcasters often provide a platform for celebrities who have caused controversy to make a comeback. It doesn't matter whether the public's reaction is cold or not. In order to protect their 'loyalty', the star who was in 'self-reflection' is brought out into the world. Celebrities who have received miraculous opportunities often show their faces in a flash.
Among them, 'Burning Trotman' Hwang Young-woong, who was previously fined 500,000 won for assault, appears on broadcasts one after another without any period of self-reflection. The victim is suffering from the aftereffects of Hwang Young-woong, whose teeth have been distorted for the rest of his life.
Hwang Young-woong is at fault for being greedy without even considering the victims, but the production team that continues to give opportunities to performers with a history of assault is more problematic. The production team asked people to support Hwang Young-woong until the end as he is reflecting and repenting his sins. He emphasized that there are parts where the facts are different and there are also parts that are unfair. Instead of asking about the victim's well-being, they were just busy protecting 'our' Hwang Young-woong.
PD Seo Hye-jin, the leader of 'Burning Trotman', decided to broadcast Hwang Young-woong as is without editing it in the remaining finals and special broadcasts. It shows extraordinary loyalty towards Hwang Young-woong, a strong candidate for the championship. It seemed as if Hwang Young-woong's past assault was simply viewed as the immature behavior of an immature child.
It wasn't just 'Flaming Trotman' that set the stage for a comeback by having a 'controversial celebrity' appear. Han Dong-geun, who caused controversy for drunk driving, appeared on JTBC's 'Singer Gain: Unknown Singer Exhibition' (hereinafter 'Singer Gain'), which captured the rebellion of unknown people.
'Singer Gain' is a program that gives singers who are desperate for a stage 'one more' chance to stand in front of the public. However, Han Dong-geun, a ‘famous singer’ who was in self-reflection, appeared here.
Han Dong-geun was caught by the police for drunk driving near Bangbae-dong, Seoul in August 2018. As a result of a breathalyzer test, the blood alcohol content was 0.103, which was at the level of license revocation.
Han Dong-geun, who has numerous hit songs, is not a singer who is desperate for the stage. Moreover, 'Singer Gain' is also not a place that provides a comeback stage to singers who created controversy.
A similar case occurred at SBS. The SBS entertainment show 'My Little Old Boy' (hereinafter referred to as 'My Little Old Boy') provided an opportunity for Choi Jin-hyuk, who was summarily indicted on charges of violating the Infectious Disease Prevention Act, to return to broadcasting.
The sudden return after eight months of self-study created an unfavorable atmosphere in public opinion. There were also opinions that he only took a break from broadcasting until the issue subsided, and whether he truly reflected on it.
The production team, which showed an irresponsible attitude, was also on the chopping block. This is because he attracted aggro as a self-respecting celebrity and gained both loyalty and topicality.
The hasty return of a celebrity with a criminal record only brings discomfort. It is the star's responsibility to restore lost trust and turn the tables that have changed. This is not a problem that can be solved with their own ‘loyalty’.
Ryu Ye-ji, Ten Asia Reporter ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr