According to a report on the 28th, certain scenes from 'Chef of Antarctica' have been submitted to the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP) in Antarctica, requesting action against alleged violations.
On the 24th, a preview of the third episode of 'Chef of Antarctica' aired, showing cast members interacting with penguins in Antarctica. In the footage, a person believed to be cast member Im Soo-hyang is seen placing a penguin on her body. Another scene captures a cast member lifting a penguin by its tail.
Most countries in Antarctica adhere to the Antarctic Treaty and its Environmental Protocol, as well as the regulations of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). These regulations prohibit or strictly limit unnecessary disturbance, contact, capture, or movement of wildlife, including penguins.
The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) guidelines state that visitors should maintain a minimum distance of 5 meters from wildlife unless there is a special reason. Feeding or touching animals is also prohibited, and any interference that could affect animals, such as noise or movement, is restricted to protect the animals and ecosystem.
Experts warn that pulling a penguin by its tail can cause damage to bones, muscles, and ligaments, and in severe cases, affect the spine. Holding a penguin upside down can lead to joint dislocation, fractures, and muscle tears as the penguin struggles to escape.
Previously, 'Chef of Antarctica' received a complaint from a viewer to the KCSC. Viewer A claimed that an inappropriate advertisement was aired during the show, featuring a dish presented by Baek Jong-won.
In the episode aired on the 24th, Baek Jong-won served a Japanese-style chicken dish, 'Chicken Nanban,' to staff at the Antarctic Sejong Station. However, after the broadcast, it was noted that 'Chicken Nanban' closely resembled a menu item from The Born Korea, 'Dak Twigim Jeongsik,' with similar components including soup, braised beef, and radish salad.
Viewer A filed a complaint with the KCSC, arguing that the program, produced with government support under the title 'Climate Environment Project,' prominently featured a menu similar to that sold by Baek's restaurant chain, potentially mixing public interest with commercial advertising.
The Born Korea responded, stating that there is no connection between the broadcast menu and brand promotion, urging restraint from excessive speculation.
The KCSC will monitor the program to determine if it violated any regulations. If violations are confirmed, the matter may be brought before the Broadcasting Review Subcommittee.
Earlier this year, Baek Jong-won faced multiple charges, including violations of the Origin Labeling Act, Livestock Products Sanitation Control Act, Food Sanitation Act, and Food Labeling and Advertising Act. In May, he addressed these issues in a YouTube video titled 'Starting Over,' pledging to identify and improve the root causes of these problems.
With the airing of 'Chef of Antarctica' on the 17th, Baek resumed his broadcasting activities after a six-month hiatus.
Originally scheduled to premiere in April, 'Chef of Antarctica' was delayed due to Baek's controversies and the presidential election. Ahead of the first broadcast, the National Franchisee Association held a press conference demanding MBC cancel the program.
Jung Da-yeon, Ten Asia Reporter light@tenasia.co.kr