KBS Clarifies Stance on Deleted Article Regarding NewJeans Live Broadcast

KBS has officially addressed the deletion of an article related to the live broadcast of the group NewJeans.

On the 18th, KBS responded to a viewer petition titled 'Reveal the Truth About the Deletion of KBS Min Hee-jin Interview Report' on its official website's viewer petition board.

KBS stated, "We would like to correct and explain parts of the petition that are factually incorrect or potentially misleading," adding, "It seems to be claimed that 'KBS interviewed Min Hee-jin,' but this is not true. KBS interviewed a representative from Min Hee-jin's side, not Min Hee-jin herself. In this regard, KBS requested a correction from the media outlet that inaccurately reported 'KBS interviewed Min Hee-jin.' The outlet accepted KBS's request and amended the article."

KBS further explained the reason for the article's deletion, stating, "After the video was released on YouTube, we obtained information from another representative of Min Hee-jin's side that contradicted the previously reported content. After discussions among the reporters, it was decided to delete the original article considering the conflicting information. The decision was made in accordance with KBS's newsroom guidelines, taking into account the differing stances among the representatives."

KBS also clarified, "Regarding the mention of a connection between the article deletion and certain community posts, KBS's decision to delete the article is unrelated to those community posts. KBS News has been reporting on this issue, which began in April 2024, based on the chronological order of events."

Lastly, KBS stated, "The portrayal of KBS as a promotional outlet or agent for a specific individual is believed to stem from misunderstandings by some viewers or representatives. KBS is committed to reporting on this issue and other major societal issues with an open stance, adhering to standards of objectivity and fairness."

Previously, on September 19, a petition titled 'Reveal the Truth About the Deletion of KBS Min Hee-jin Interview Report' was posted on KBS's official website petition board.

On the 11th of the same month, NewJeans held an emergency live broadcast demanding 'to return to ADOR under CEO Min Hee-jin's leadership.' In response, KBS published an article on the 13th titled "Min Hee-jin's Side 'Advised Against NewJeans' Statement'... HYBE 'Regrets to Min'" but abruptly deleted it.

Reporter Choi Ji-ye, Ten Asia wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr