Singer Kim Ho-Joong has been removed from the three major terrestrial networks—KBS, MBC, and SBS. This is due to his involvement in a hit-and-run incident.
Following actions by KBS and MBC … SBS has also decided to delete Kim Ho-Joong’s segments from their variety show My Ugly Duckling.
Network Responses to the Scandal
According to Star News on June 12, episodes 378 and 383 of My Ugly Duckling featuring Kim Ho-Joong have been edited on the OTT platform Wavve and the SBS website. SBS, holding the legal rights to the content, opted to remove his appearances due to the social controversy he caused.
Additionally, SBS has halted replays of Kim’s past appearances on My Ugly Duckling from episodes 193 to 195, 200, and 202. The VOD service provided on the SBS website has also been discontinued. This action reflects public sentiment following Kim Ho-Joong’s hit-and-run incident and his attempts to conceal the crime.
Kim first appeared as a special MC on My Ugly Duckling on June 7, 2020, and later shared his daily life on the show, capturing viewers’ attention. He returned as a special MC on January 28, four years later, and reappeared on March 3.
Actions by KBS and MBC
Previously, KBS and MBC also removed variety shows featuring Kim Ho-Joong. Episodes 165 to 167, 248, and 251 to 253 of KBS 2TV’s Boss in the Mirror, episodes 218 and 224 of KBS 2TV’s Stars’ Top Recipe at Fun-Staurant, KBS 2TV’s Seol Special Jinsung Big Show BOK Korea, episodes 246 of MBC’s Where Is My Home, and episodes 108 to 109 of MBC’s If We Don’t Fight We’re Lucky have all been removed. This means that all traces of Kim Ho-Joong have been erased from the three major networks.
KBS held a review committee on the 29th of last month and imposed a temporary ban on Kim. KBS stated, “Although the court has not yet reached a verdict, Kim Ho-Joong has caused serious social controversy due to repeated lies about his hit-and-run incident, and several viewers have petitioned for his ban from appearing on broadcasts.”
Details of the Incident
On May 9, Kim was arrested for crashing into an oncoming taxi while intoxicated and fleeing the scene in Apgujeong-do. Initially, police applied charges under the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes Act (fleeing the scene and causing injury, dangerous driving causing injury), the Road Traffic Act (failing to take measures after an accident), and aiding and abetting escape. Later, they added a charge of drunk driving.
During the investigation, a phone call recording revealed that Kim had asked his manager to surrender in his place. This changed the charge from aiding and abetting escape to instigating escape.
Lee Gwang Deuk, CEO of Think Entertainment, and director Jeon, who was also arrested, faced charges of instigating escape, destroying evidence, violating the Road Traffic Act (drunk driving), and aiding and abetting.
They were sent to the prosecution on the 31st of last month. The prosecution extended their detention period until the 19th, citing the need for further investigation.