On the 23rd, Jun Hyun-moo's agency, SM C&C, released a statement formally apologizing for the inappropriate remarks made during the Disney+ show 'Fate War 49'.
The controversy arose from the second episode of the show, released on the 11th, where participants were tasked with deducing the cause of death of a fallen police officer. During the episode, a shaman guest mentioned the late officer Lee Jae-hyun, who was fatally stabbed, using the term "knife wound" in a casual manner. Host Jun Hyun-moo echoed the sentiment, saying, "It's a 'knife wound' for someone in uniform," and agreed that it was too direct. Co-host Shindong also concurred, stating that the choice of words was appropriate. The agency acknowledged the lack of sensitivity in mentioning the deceased and extended a sincere apology to the bereaved families and viewers.
In response, the National Police Labor Union issued a strong condemnation, promising firm action. They criticized the show for trivializing the noble sacrifice of a public servant who died in the line of duty by using vulgar slang and making it a subject of entertainment.
The union further stated that using such language to elicit laughter was an act of moral abandonment and a clear secondary harm to the bereaved families. They demanded Jun Hyun-moo, a former announcer trusted by the public, to reflect on his actions and called for the immediate removal of the episode from the platform.
The late officer Lee Jae-hyun, the subject of the controversy, was a detective with the Seoul Western Police Station's violent crime unit. He was fatally stabbed in 2004 while apprehending a suspect accused of assaulting women. The story of this hero, who sacrificed his life for the nation, being reduced to gossip on a variety show has sparked online criticism of the production team's editing choices and calls for the show's cancellation.
The episode also included a mission to deduce the cause of death of the late firefighter Kim Cheol-hong, who died in the 2001 Hongje-dong fire, drawing backlash from the families of fallen firefighters. The police union has urged the Korea Communications Standards Commission to impose the highest level of sanctions, vowing to protect the honor of uniformed heroes.
Jun Hyun-moo has also been embroiled in the 'Injection Aunt' controversy. Previously, a person known as 'Injection Aunt' A, accused of illegal medical practices, posted and then deleted a message seemingly targeting Jun Hyun-moo. Jun Hyun-moo's side has repeatedly denied any connection to A. The controversy resurfaced when a past episode of 'I Live Alone' showed Jun Hyun-moo receiving an IV drip in his car. However, SM C&C clarified that it was a legal treatment prescribed by medical professionals.
The agency also released medical records to emphasize that there were no illegal procedures or personal medical calls involved. During this process, it was revealed that Jun Hyun-moo had been prescribed medication for erectile dysfunction.
Reporter Chaeryeong Lim, TenAsia syjj426@tenasia.co.kr