The Korean Communications Standards Commission (KCSC) has announced severe disciplinary measures against JTBC for broadcasting misleading CCTV footage related to BTS member Suga (Min Yoongi). This action follows a plenary session held at the Mokdong Broadcast Center in Seoul on September 2nd.
The controversy began when JTBC's 'Newsroom' aired CCTV footage on the 7th of the previous month, purportedly showing Suga involved in a drunk driving incident. The footage, which depicted a person riding an electric scooter, was repeatedly broadcasted, leading viewers to believe it was indeed Suga. However, a subsequent police investigation revealed that the man in the footage was not Suga, but an unrelated civilian. This misreporting sparked public outrage, accusing JTBC of damaging Suga's reputation and misleading the public.
The KCSC, tasked with upholding media ethics and objectivity, has taken this incident seriously. The commission invoked Article 14 of the 'Regulations on Broadcast Deliberation,' which emphasizes the need for accuracy and objectivity in news reporting. The decision to impose legal sanctions on JTBC underscores the severity of the violation.
Commissioner Ryu Hee-rim, during the session, emphasized the need for accountability, stating that JTBC's actions were based on a video where "you can't even tell the face from a distance," yet the network concluded that the man riding the scooter was Suga. The KCSC has requested a formal statement of opinion from JTBC, highlighting the importance of thorough verification before airing such sensitive content.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that broadcasters hold in ensuring the accuracy of their reports, particularly when it involves high-profile figures like BTS's Suga. The KCSC's disciplinary actions against JTBC reflect the commission's commitment to maintaining trust and integrity in Korean media.