The team of ‘Negotiation King’ has apologized for the sexual harassment controversy involving MC Kim Won-hoon.
On the 3rd, the first video of season 7 of ‘Negotiation King’ included a comment from the production team stating, “We sincerely apologize to the citizens and subscribers who felt uncomfortable due to some inappropriate expressions during the citizen interviews in episode 1.”
The production team added, “We value your opinions and are currently editing the relevant scene,” and “We will approach production more carefully in the future.”
Previously, the first public video of season 7, released on the 27th of last month, sparked controversy due to certain scenes. On that day, Kim Won-hoon went out to meet citizens to conduct a brand awareness survey and discount rate survey for the negotiation item, a low-calorie ice cream brand.
While interviewing a couple, Kim Won-hoon asked, “Where are you headed?” When the man replied, “We’re going to Seolleung Station to hang out,” Kim Won-hoon responded, “Isn’t this a motel area?” and followed up with, “You must have all gone home yesterday, right?”
The man, taken aback, clarified, “We just came out,” but Kim Won-hoon pressed on, asking, “Where did you just come out from?” He also pointed to the man's mouth and attempted a sexual joke, saying, “There’s a mark here...”
Viewers reacted with discomfort, stating comments like “That’s rude,” “The motel joke is unpleasant,” “That’s not a joke to make with ordinary people,” “He crossed the line,” and “That’s sexual harassment.”
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
