KBS2 Drama 'The Glorious Days' Faces Backlash for Depicting Alcohol Consumption on Construction Site

KBS2's weekend drama 'The Glorious Days' has issued an apology for airing a scene depicting alcohol consumption on a construction site, following criticism from viewers. The controversy was highlighted in a report by TenAsia on the 25th.

In the episode aired on the 24th, the character Lee Ji-hyuk, played by Jung Il-woo, is shown working on a construction site. During lunch, a worker offers him a bowl of makgeolli, a traditional Korean alcoholic beverage. Although Lee initially refuses, he is pressured by other workers to drink, and the scene shows him accepting the drink.

Viewers expressed concern over the scene, with some stating, "Encouraging drinking on a construction site, where lives are at risk, is akin to a criminal act." Others were uncomfortable with the portrayal of alcohol consumption during work hours on a public broadcast.

Drinking on construction sites is illegal. According to the Ministry of Employment and Labor, alcohol is prohibited on work sites, and employers are required to ensure workers do not work under the influence. The scene, however, showed three bottles of makgeolli prominently displayed.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, employers must prevent workers from working while intoxicated. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action against the employer. Most construction companies have strict rules against alcohol consumption in their employment contracts and safety regulations.

In response to the backlash, the production team of 'The Glorious Days' stated on the 27th that the scene was intended to heighten tension and indirectly highlight the dangers of drinking on the job. They apologized for any discomfort caused and promised to consider the social impact of their content in future productions.

They emphasized their commitment to producing content that considers its social influence as a family drama on public broadcasting.