Kim Soo-mi and Jeong Ji-seon, controversy over abuse of power by juniors

The identity of the ‘Boss’s Ears Are Donkey Ears’ program is being shaken. This is because it has deviated significantly from the purpose of examining the relationship between the boss and employees and breaking down the old culture. As the 'gapjil battle' between the contestants continues, it is becoming a more provocative broadcast.

Recently, actress Kim Soo-mi joined KBS 2TV's entertainment show 'The Boss's Ears Are Donkey Ears' (hereinafter referred to as 'Donkey Ears') as the new boss. Kim Soo-mi, as the boss of the musical 'My Mom', revealed the practice scene with her team members.

Among the actors working with Kim Soo-mi, the person who caught the most attention was Kim Hyeong-jun, who plays the son-in-law from SS501. In order to get closer to his senior, Kim Soo-mi, he approached him politely, making a 90-degree bow, but Kim Soo-mi's reaction was not cool. Kim Soo-mi made a direct statement, saying, "I like the actor who played the other son-in-law more," and revealed her true feelings, saying, "Shin Hyun-jun is like that, he's so humble that I can't get attached to him."

In particular, he said to Kim Hyeong-jun, who called himself ‘Sister’ in an attempt to become friendly at dinner, “Why do you keep calling me ‘Sister’ when I am the mother-in-law? “Just stay still,” he replied, adding to the creepiness.

Kim Soo-mi did not laugh at Kim Hyeong-jun's barrage of gifts filled with respect. Immediately after the performance, Kim Hyung-jun visited Kim Soo-mi's waiting room and handed her a bouquet of flowers. Kim Soo-mi looked shocked when she saw that her favorite white flowers were not in the bouquet. Kim Sook brightened the mood by saying, “Smile at least on the outside.”

Although Kim Soo-mi is said to be the most senior in the entertainment industry, Kim Hyeong-jun is also a star in his 18th year of debut. Regardless of age and experience, the attitude of ignoring the efforts of juniors makes even viewers feel embarrassed. I briefly apologized to Kim Hyeong-jun while looking at my VCR, but a long time had already passed. Interpersonal relationships that involve giving bottles and giving medicine are not right.

Chef Jeong Ji-seon, who is appearing in 'Donkey Ear', is just as abusive as Kim Soo-mi to his younger employees. The words he spoke to his employees were truly shocking.

Jeong Ji-seon hurt the employee who prepared kimchi pancake for her by saying, “You can make kimchi pancake this tasteless.” To the employees who were having a sad conversation, “Is there any reason to create a group chat room without me? “It’s a community group life,” he said, and instructed not to create a group chat room without him.

Ji-seon Jeong also complained about the healing trip prepared by employee Tae-guk Kim. When he had to ride the tin can train on the beach, he was displeased and said, "This can now? Are you kidding me? Is this the way it is?" He couldn't hide his anger about Kim Tae-guk's dream of opening a store someday. Jeong Ji-seon made people feel uncomfortable by saying, "Thailand has to work at the moment, but he keeps thinking about other things. I was hoping he would ask (the teacher) about the worries he was having while eating lunch, but he suddenly asks about business? Ask the question again."

Chef Jeong Ji-seon's treatment of his employees could hardly be considered advice or teaching. It was closer to criticism than criticism. Unlike Kim Soo-mi, Chef Jeong Ji-seon is not a professional broadcaster, but a self-employed person who needs to gain the attention and trust of consumers. Is there really a need to maintain the concept of Gapjil, which makes viewers and employees feel uncomfortable?

The current broadcasting structure cannot encompass both sides of the structure between the boss and members. All that remains is an anachronistic culture of abuse of power. At this point, the production team of 'Donkey Ear' is so obsessed with uncomfortable old man characters that it can be said to be addictive.

Of course, there is a possibility that the 'bosses' set it up for the fun of broadcasting. However, we should not ignore viewers’ opinions that it is too much. There are also concerns that the production team is only focused on viewership ratings and is making the cast a disgrace. Where has the original intention of the project, which was ‘voluntary self-reflection of Korean bosses to create a pleasant workplace’ gone?

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