Latest news with #KBS
Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
BTS' Suga hit with TV ban petition over ‘dangerous influence' after DUI case
BTS member Suga, post returning from military service, penned a long note apologising to fans—again—for the disappointment caused by his DUI controversy last year. However, despite this, on June 24, YTN News reported that the rapper was hit with a petition calling for his TV ban, specifically targeting appearances on the KBS network, known for blacklisting celebrities considered a bad influence on youth. This comes just a day after reports of the rapper's massive 5 billion won donation for the development of a special autism centre. Suga was found by police lying next to his electric scooter, with a blood alcohol level reportedly at 0.227%, almost three times South Korea's legal limit of 0.08%. His license could've been revoked, but the court instead ordered him to pay a fine of 15 million KRW (around $11,000). That didn't sit well with a section of the Korean public, who argued he should be held to the same standard as anyone else. Also read: BTS' Suga mobilises global ARMY to raise over 200 million won in 24 hours with one quiet, heartfelt gesture Suga was discharged from military service on June 21, and just a day later, a petition on the KBS Viewers' Petition Board (the official channel where Korean viewers raise complaints or suggestions to the broadcaster) went viral. The complaint was titled 'Request for Appearance Sanctions Regarding SUGA's DUI Fine.' The petitioner argued that drunk driving is a serious crime, and a public figure as big as Suga, with massive youth influence, should be held accountable. The concern is that letting him appear on TV right after his return and comeback talk sends the wrong message. They said it risks making drunk driving seem like an ignorant mistake, which it's not, especially in South Korea. 'Drunk driving is a serious crime that can cause direct harm to others. He is a public figure who has a significant influence on young people, and there is concern that appearing on TV with such influence could lower social awareness of drunk driving crimes,' an excerpt of the complaint reads. Also read: BTS' Suga apologises for 'disappointment' caused over DUI; thousands flock to HYBE HQ to cheer him on. Watch The petition further urged KBS to hold a meeting of its Broadcast Appearance Regulation Review Committee, a formal panel that decides whether a certain celebrity should be allowed on air. KBS has previously suspended or restricted appearances of several artistes and actors involved in similar controversies, including Kwak Do Won, Kim Sae Ron, Kim Ho Joong and others. Most of them were blocked from KBS content, even if they weren't legally jailed, because their crimes caused public backlash. This might be a big deal, and a pretty sensitive one, for BTS right now, as a full-group comeback is on the horizon. BTS appearing on Korean music shows, variety programs, and interviews is almost a given, and since KBS is one of the biggest South Korean networks to host such shows, a few possibilities arise: either BTS promotes as a six-member group, which is very unlikely to happen; or BTS skips KBS shows entirely, which would be bad for the network's TRP; or KBS makes an exception, which could lead to massive backlash and boycott threads targeting the channel. The petitioner claims KBS delayed action earlier because the case outcome wasn't public.
Pink Villa
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
SUGA's DUI scandal aftermath: Petition filed to block BTS member from TV appearance, citing influence on youngsters
BTS member SUGA's DUI incident has sparked renewed discussion. Despite paying a heavy fine and apologizing multiple times, netizens don't appear ready to move on from the issue. On June 23, a petition was filed on KBS's bulletin board regarding the drunk driving case, as reported by K-media outlet YTN. The petition advocated for restricting SUGA's appearances on the network, amid ongoing discussions regarding BTS' full-group performances. Why was a petition filed to restrict SUGA's broadcast appearance? The petition was Min Yoongi aka SUGA was filed to ban the BTS member from TV appearances, particularly from KBS shows. The reason for the same was public scrutiny following his 2024 DUI scandal. The petition, titled Request for sanction on restriction of appearance on KBS regarding Suga's DUI, was posted on the KBS Viewer Petition Bulletin Board on June 23. It demanded that KBS hold a broadcast appearance regulation review committee to discuss and decide on sanctions for SUGA. They cited concerns about his influence on the masses, including youngsters. According to the petitioner, taking the step was necessary to make people realise the gravity of the unlawful activity. Drunk driving might not be that big of an issue elsewhere, but in South Korea, it is seen as a grave offence. Will SUGA's DUI controversy impact BTS' full-group comeback? K-pop comebacks are usually followed by interviews and music shows appearances. KBS is one of the biggest broadcasting companies of South Korea, in whose shows artists usually promote their new music. In case SUGA gets banned from KBS shows due to the petition's passing, BTS might choose not to perform in their shows or appear as an incomplete group. Neither sounds good for both the K-pop artists and the media group. About SUGA's drunk driving controversy SUGA was involved in a DUI incident on August 6, 2024, while riding an electric scooter under the influence of alcohol. The Haegeum singer's blood alcohol level was 0.227%, significantly above the legal limit of 0.08% in South Korea. The K-pop rapper was found lying on the ground next to his e-scooter by police late at night. Following that, he was charged with DUI and faced potential penalties, including license revocation and a fine of approximately 11,000 USD. SUGA publicly apologized for his actions, stating that he would cooperate fully with the Yongsan police's investigation. The case was closed by prosecutors with a fine, and no further action was taken.
Korea Herald
a day ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
Facing W100b deficit, KBS moves to raise TV license fee
State broadcaster aims to raise its 2,500 won monthly license fee, unchanged for 45 years Public broadcaster Korean Broadcasting System is pushing to raise its TV license fee for the first time in 45 years, amid mounting financial pressures and a rapidly changing media environment. At a meeting held Tuesday at KBS' Yeouido headquarters in Seoul, representatives from KBS viewers' committees issued a joint statement, urging the broadcaster to prepare measures for financial stability. The 19 regional KBS viewers' committees, mandated by Korea's Broadcasting Act, represent viewers' interests and offer monthly feedback on programming. During the meeting, Yang Eun-joo, vice-chairperson of the KBS Jeju viewers' committee, highlighted the pressure faced by small and mid-sized production companies as foreign capital increasingly encroaches on Korea's broadcast industry. 'As the country's largest broadcaster, KBS must act as a protector of the domestic production industry by fostering coexistence with small- to mid-sized production companies,' she was quoted as saying in a press statement released by KBS. Jung Jae-yeon, chairman of the KBS Chuncheon viewers' committee, noting KBS' efforts to use AI, expressed hopes that "with a realistic adjustment of the TV license fee, efforts will be made to develop AI broadcasting technologies that contribute to the public interest." The TV license fee has remained unchanged at 2,500 won ($1.80) per month since it was set in 1981. According to KBS, the proposal to increase the TV license fee comes amid declining advertising revenue, heightened competition from streaming platforms, and the aftermath of a temporary move to collect the fee separately. Currently, KBS' TV license fee is bundled with electricity bills. Last year, it was briefly collected separately from the electricity bills, but the system was reinstated after legislative review. KBS argued that separate billing led to lower collection rates and imposed considerable administrative costs on the broadcaster. KBS anticipates a near 100 billion won deficit this year alone. 'Without adjusting the license fee to a realistic level, it will be impossible to avoid a large-scale deficit — an outcome that would inevitably lead to financial instability for the public broadcaster," said a KBS official, via a press statement. According to the state broadcaster, KBS will gather public opinion before moving forward. Under Article 65 of the Broadcasting Act, any fee adjustment requires approval of the KBS board, Korea Communications Commission and the National Assembly. KBS's current push to raise its TV license fee comes after a failed 2021 attempt to increase the rate by 53 percent, from 2,500 won to 3,840 won. The proposal was ultimately blocked in the National Assembly, which was then controlled by the Democratic Party of Korea. The amount proposed for this year's hike has yet to be disclosed.
Korea Herald
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
KBS' 'Smoking Gun' marks 100 episodes, shifts focus from victims to perpetrators
Creator, cast of KBS' flagship crime show discuss the show's longevity, goals going forward Crime shows often concentrate on advising viewers how to avoid becoming victims, from locking doors to staying wary of strangers. But 'Smoking Gun" takes a markedly different approach, aiming to explore how society can prevent the emergence of perpetrators. KBS' 'Smoking Gun,' which premiered in 2023, has built a steady audience with its detailed examination of real-life crime cases, combining forensic science analysis with firsthand accounts. The show features leading forensic medicine expert Professor Yu Seong-ho and MC Ahn Hyun-mo, a former SBS anchor and reporter. Marking a major milestone, "Smoking Gun" is set to air its landmark 100th episode Tuesday night. At a press conference held Monday in Yeouido, Seoul, Ahn credited the show's success to its unique casting approach. Instead of relying on celebrities or professional hosts, the creators invite individuals directly involved in the cases, including investigators, defense attorneys, victims and family members. 'We could cast famous entertainers or MCs who are eloquent and easily recognizable when people flip through channels, but instead, we feature those who were directly involved in the cases — even if their speech is a bit rough around the edges,' Ahn said. 'I believe the dedication of our writers, who manage to invite such people for every episode, played a huge role (in ensuring the show's longevity).' Going forward, the program intends to delve deeper into the motives behind criminal behaviors — an angle often overlooked in crime programs, said the show's producer, Kim Jong-seok. 'Many crime programs show cases involving psychopaths, but they tend to conclude simply that 'they're just different from normal people.' I felt it was important to analyze why these individuals committed such acts,' he said. 'Understanding motives is crucial because that's how we can develop ways to prevent such people from emerging again.' Kim pointed to the case of Jung Yoo-jung, who was sentenced to life in prison for murdering a woman she targeted via a tutoring app. Diagnosed as a psychopath, experts noted she lacked a 'secure base' — a stable psychological foundation typically formed during childhood. 'I wanted to convey that for a child to grow into a well-adjusted human being, parents need to become that secure base,' Kim explained. 'The more I worked on the show, the more I felt the need to share messages like that.' Ahn echoed the director's views, highlighting the show's contribution to crime prevention by encouraging societal reflection. 'Usually, crime-related shows focus on how not to become a victim, but our program makes people think about how society can stop producing perpetrators in the first place,' she said. 'It encourages reflection. If I'm a parent, a teacher, or someone fulfilling their responsibilities at work, what can I do to make sure I'm not contributing to the creation of a future perpetrator? It shifts the mindset from 'I need to avoid criminals' to 'I need to do my part, live responsibly and speak kindly to others.''
The Sun
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
RTG to Help Pro Shuttlers Find Better Training Venues
THE ROAD to Gold (RTG) Committee will help professional badminton players under its programme find more conducive training venues, said Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh. She said the RTG Committee is aware that these players are currently training in halls which are also open to the public. 'I hope we can help find more suitable and private training locations for professional athletes (badminton players). 'As it stands, they've been training in places like shopping malls where the public can watch them. I believe RTG Programme coordinator Datuk Stuart Ramalingam will coordinate the necessary support,' she said. She told reporters this after opening the ASEAN Persons With Disabilities in Sports Conference 2025 here today. Hannah, who also chairs the RTG Committee, said efforts will also be made to help professional players find quality sparring partners to boost their performance. Last Thursday, she announced that four professional badminton players – men's world number one pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani and mixed doubles duo Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie – had committed to the RTG programme for the 2025 cycle. The RTG project, introduced by the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) in April 2023, is a national initiative to coordinate Malaysia's efforts to win its first Olympic gold medal, with focus on the Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028 Games. Meanwhile, Hannah expressed hope that the contract issue involving national women's doubles pair Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah, whose deal with the Badminton Association of Malaysia ended last December, can be resolved promptly. She stressed the importance of settling the matter quickly, as any delay could affect the performance of the world number three pair. On a separate matter, Hannah said KBS will not interfere in the internal issues or challenges faced by the Harimau Malaya squad in their push to climb higher on the international stage. Instead, she said it would be up to Football Association of Malaysia president Datuk Mohd Joehari Mohd Ayub to resolve the matter. Media reports recently said that Harimau Malaya head coach Peter Cklamovski did not rule out the possibility that he, Johor Regent Tunku Mahkota Ismail, who is credited with revolutionising the national team, and the players could come under fire if they failed to beat Vietnam. However, Malaysia proved their mettle by thrashing Vietnam 4-0 in their second Group F match of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on June 10. Earlier, Hannah said that about 240 participants, including those from other Southeast Asian countries, attended the two-day conference, which ends today. She said the conference, themed 'Inclusive Sports for All: Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges in ASEAN', discussed accessibility and ways to further empower sports participation for persons with disabilities
