'Assault on a woman' Kim Kang-yeol, 'penalty record' Hwang Young-woong

<<Ryu Ye-ji's yellow card>>

TenAsia reporter Ryu Ye-ji takes a proper look at the entertainment industry incidents and accidents that are attracting the most attention.

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If something seems popular, controversy will erupt. A quick explanation from the parties involved is necessary, but the actions of the production team leading the program are also more important than anyone else. If the controversy that arises is not properly resolved, not only the entire program but also the viewers watching the broadcast will inevitably suffer damage.

It was revealed that singer Hwang Young-woong, who appears on MBN's 'Burning Trotman', has a record of assault. It was claimed that during his school days, he was called 'Iljin' and committed school violence, and even as an adult, he was accused of swinging his fist and causing injury.

The alleged victim confessed that he agreed to a settlement with Hwang Young-woong for 3 million won, including medical expenses, but that Hwang Young-woong did not make any apology. He also revealed that he is still suffering from aftereffects such as distorted teeth.

Past photos of Hwang Young-woong have also been spread, causing controversy because he has tattoos on his arms and back. Some say that it is an irezumi (Japanese word for inserting ink) tattoo, also known as a ‘gangster tattoo’.

The production team confirmed that there were grounds for disqualification and also wrote a pledge. The conditions for ‘disqualification’ were not disclosed. However, since Hwang Young-woong participated, there was no reason for disqualification, which means that the internal team judged that there was no problem. At the same time, he appealed to his emotions, saying that there were 'limits' in understanding personal past history.

In an additional statement, it was acknowledged that Hwang Young-woong had a criminal record for assault for which he was fined 500,000 won. At the same time, the participant was reflecting and repenting his sins, so he asked for support until the end. They emphasized that there were some unfair aspects, and there was not a word of apology to the victims who lived their whole lives with warped teeth.

Now, with less than a week left until the finals, Hwang Young-woong admitted to assault and posted an apology. There was no intention to get off. With the 800 million won prize in front of him, he mentioned his ‘mother’ and ‘grandmother’ who supported him. Only you will know whether it is an apology letter to the victim or a letter of deep filial piety towards your family.

Not only the parties involved, but even the production team is 'I don't know' about the controversy. What Hwang Young-woong and the production team have in common is their complaints of ‘unjustice.’ Although he admitted to the crime, he said there were different facts and asked for a 'chance to live'. ‘Opportunity to live’ is rather a word that the victim should mention to the ‘offender’ Hwang Young-woong.

The finals of ‘Burning Trotman’ will be held on the 28th. The production team decided to broadcast Hwang Young-woong as is without editing it, and will later broadcast a special broadcast. This is in contrast to the appearance of Jin Dal-rae, the perpetrator of school violence in 'Miss Trot 2', who left the show immediately after the controversy. The production team also mercilessly let go of Azalea and selected a replacement contestant. The production team at that time was the same as the production team for 'Burning Trotman'. The ‘standards’ for Azalea and Hwang Young-woong were clearly different. It looks like the production team doesn't want to lose sight of the winner, Hwang Young-woong.

There was a similar case at another broadcasting company three years ago. During the broadcast, the cast member's record of assault was revealed, but the production team showed an action of 'closing their eyes and ears'. The main character is the story of Kim Kang-yeol of Channel A's 'Heart Signal 3'.

In January 2017, Kim Kang-yeol committed violence against an unknown woman, including kicking her in the solar plexus, at a bar in Gangnam, Seoul, causing her to suffer 3 weeks of harm. Accordingly, he was sentenced to a fine of 2 million won for assault.

At that time, he acknowledged his assault conviction and posted an apology. He also spoke frankly about his fines. However, the production team was generous to him, who caused social controversy. The scene of Kim Kang-yeol's appearance was broadcast without editing. There was a lot of criticism from viewers, but the production team remained ignorant.

Kim Kang-yeol is the person who led the success of ‘Heart Signal 3’. Following Kim Hyun-woo in Season 2, he performed well as a male catfish. In the end, the production team chose viewership ratings over morality.

Although three years have passed since 'Heart Signal 3', the production team's My Way actions are still the same. The 'Heart Signal 3' side, which aired the program without cancellation, and the 'Burning Trotman' side, which appealed with unfair excuses, are somehow similar.

Issues with Hwang Young-woong's personal life are emerging and are interfering with other participants. It is time for PD Seo Hye-jin, who wrote the legend of the domestic trot world, to boldly draw her sword. It's like cutting off an azalea overnight. There is no time to hesitate.

Ryu Ye-ji, Ten Asia Reporter ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr