Controversy Surrounds 'Baek Jong-won's Les Miserables' Amidst Criminal Participant Debate

The ENA variety show 'Baek Jong-won's Les Miserables' is facing criticism as the focus shifts from the stories of young people in need of opportunities and Baek Jong-won's sincerity to the controversy over a participant with a criminal record. While the stories of diligent contestants have garnered attention, the presence of a participant with a criminal history has overshadowed the show's original intent.

Premiering on the 30th of last month, 'Baek Jong-won's Les Miserables' is a 100-day life-changing project featuring 20 contestants who undergo rigorous Spartan-style missions to overcome their limits and transform their lives. The show, following Baek Jong-won's successful Netflix series 'Black and White Chef: Culinary Class War,' was highly anticipated by ENA as a major release for the latter half of the year. However, it faced negative attention due to pre-broadcast controversies involving a juvenile offender and gender discrimination issues.

In response to the growing controversy, ENA addressed the gender discrimination allegations by stating, "Due to the nature of the training and accommodation process, applications were accepted based on gender," and added, "If the program succeeds, we plan to produce a female version." Regarding the juvenile offender controversy, they indirectly stated, "Individuals who do not meet societal standards were excluded."

In the first episode, juvenile thief Kim Dong-jun appeared without edits, sharing his past. Having received a 9th-degree disposition for habitual theft, he expressed his motivation for participating, saying, "I wanted to show that someone like me can work hard in society." He admitted to stealing items from unlocked cars, selling phones, and using cards, acknowledging his grave mistakes and deep regret. He attributed his criminal behavior to a troubled family background.

Kim Dong-jun revealed, "After my parents divorced when I was in first grade, I lived with my uncle, where I began to experience abuse three months later." He confessed, "My body was bruised below the neck, and I bled brown when using the bathroom." He recalled painful days, stating, "There were times I went without food for three days and was bullied at school." However, the disclaimer "This story is only confirmed from the contestant's perspective" at the bottom of the broadcast appears to be an attempt by the production team to avoid responsibility.

Besides Kim Dong-jun, various contestants shared their stories. Young adults preparing for independence, a former idol who faced failure, and a released professional baseball player all showcased their determination to live their best lives despite challenging circumstances. Their stories, devoid of criminal backgrounds, align with the show's purpose, raising questions about the necessity of including a participant with a criminal record.

Concerns have been raised that if 'Baek Jong-won's Les Miserables' succeeds, it could lead to similar 'criminal glorification' programs. While it's difficult to conclude that the show merely glorifies criminals, its intent to provide opportunities for those overcoming life's hardships is positive. Nonetheless, the negative perception stemming from a single participant's inclusion is unfortunate.

Many viewers were drawn to the show by Baek Jong-won's name, but the controversy over the criminal participant has affected public opinion of him. The ongoing criticism highlights the production team's failure to align with contemporary sensibilities.