Article: 'Drunk driving' Shin Hye-sung banned on KBS? There's also Gil, Jun. K, and Kwak Do-won
Source: 10Asia
Shinhwa Shin Hye-Sung's ban from appearing on KBS broadcasts for his drunk driving scandal is causing divided opinions on the humiliation of the 'mosaic' treatment.
In KBS 2TV's 'Salim Nam' that aired on the 26th, Hyun Jin-young mentioned Shinhwa, TVXQ, and BoA as his own dance disciples, Subsequently, these groups were aired on TV during a music video scene but only Shin Hye-sung was blurred out.
This is in accordance with KBS Broadcasting Appearance Regulation Review Committee results held in April. KBS stated, "At the Committee review, the temporary restriction on Shin Hye-sung's appearance was changed to suspension of broadcast appearance."
Shin Hye-sung was arrested by police in October last year for drunk driving. Police were dispatched after receiving a report that a car was parked on the road, and Hye-sung refused to take a breathalyzer test. Accordingly, the court sentenced Hye-sung to 6 months in prison and one year probation. In the process, it was revealed he tried to escape the situation and lost trust as his lies were exposed.
He appealed for mercy in court and explained, "I have suffered from panic disorder, social phobia, and depression while working as as Shinhwa member for 25 years. It's also been years since I drank so the I couldn't think rationally after a few drinks."
However, the public's reaction's was cold with many calling his acts, "disgusting."
Since Hye-sung was previously booked for drunk driving charges in April 2007, it wouldn't be strange to say he has actually taken steps to exit entertainment industry after driving under the influence twice.
KBS has enacted an Act for "acts that have caused social controversy through illegal or immoral behavior" as the subject of regulatory deliberation on broadcast appearances. Depending on gravity of the issue, recommendations to refrain from casting appearances, temporary regulations on appearances, and suspension of broadcast appearance is being imposed.
Accordingly, many idols and celebrities have been suspended from appearing on KBS broadcasts. First off, there's 2PM's Jun.K.
In 2018, around 7:00am, Jun.K was caught drunk driving near Sinsa Station in Gangnam-gu, Seoul during a drunken crackdown by police. At the time, Jun.K's blood alcohol level was at .074%, which is the level of license suspension. As a result, KBS informed Jun.K he was suspended from broadcast appearances however the restriction was lifted in May 2021.
Actor Kwak Do-won was also suspended from appearing on KBS. In September last year, he was caught drunk driving while sleeping with his car parked on the road. Previously, he was caught up in the 'Me Too' scandal and was put on a list of recommendations to be banned from KBS broadcasts but the restriction as lifted last year. He suffered more humiliations when he was put on the list again for bans after his drunk driving.
There are celebrities who have been suspended from appearing not only on KBS but other broadcasting networks. Singer Gil caused controversy after 3 drunk driving charges. After drunk driving twice in 2004 and April 2014, he apologized and later returned, but in June 2017 he was caught drunk driving again during a crackdown and angered the public.
Due to the incident, he was permanently suspended from appearing on KBS, EBS, MBC, JTBC, MBN, and TV Chosun by the Ministry of Public Administration and Security. Afterwards, in January 2020, Gil appeared on a Channel A program as if things were ok again causing anger with viewers.
Since then, despite permanent suspension disgrace, Gil recently announced news he signed a contract with a new management company and is aiming to return to the entertainment industry.
In response, the public is raising their voice stating, "It's only natural that celebrities who caused a stir in society to be banned from appearing on TV." On the other hand, there are voices stating that "broadcast bans due to one mistake is excessive punishment."
Anyone can make a mistake. You might think they're being overly punished for one mistake, but what's clear is that this is a lighter punishment when compared to the crime committed by the person himself.
