Kim Jin-woong (37), a KBS announcer, has apologized for his inappropriate remark referring to senior announcer Do Kyung-wan as “Jang Yoon-jung's sub.”
On the 24th, Kim Jin-woong stated on Instagram, “I apologize for causing concern to seniors Do Kyung-wan and Jang Yoon-jung with my careless remarks during today’s broadcast. I also bow my head in apology to viewers and fans who felt uncomfortable because of this.”
He added, “In a situation where I still lack experience, I accepted a precious opportunity with eagerness, which led me to be uncareful. As a result, I said something I should not have.”
He continued, “Senior Do Kyung-wan has always encouraged me during my time in regional service and has been someone who warmly takes care of juniors. I sincerely apologize for causing a great inconvenience despite that,” and expressed, “Through this incident, I deeply felt how much harm thoughtless remarks can cause. I will be more vigilant to ensure this does not happen again.”
Earlier, Kim Jin-woong appeared on the KBS2 entertainment program ‘The Boss's Ears are Donkey Ears’ where he visited a marriage information company with announcers Eom Ji-in and Kim Jong-hyun.
On that day, Eom Ji-in remarked, “The junior who got married the best among the male juniors is Do Kyung-wan. While his wife is on a nationwide tour, he supports her, and after marriage, he actually does more broadcasting.” To this, Kim Jin-woong responded, “I can’t live like senior Do Kyung-wan. It may be rude, but I can’t live as someone’s sub.”
When Eom Ji-in asked, “Why is Do Kyung-wan a sub?” Kim Jin-woong reiterated, “I apologize to the senior, and it may be rude, but it’s difficult for me.”
Immediately after the broadcast, Jang Yoon-jung shared the article on SNS, expressing her displeasure, saying, “We don’t even have a close relationship... Haha. Words or actions that cannot make the other party laugh cannot be packaged as jokes or pranks. There are no subs in a family.”
Jang Yoon-jung later posted again on SNS, saying, “I am grateful to the many people who empathized with my post and comforted my upset feelings. A little while ago, I received a text from an unknown number, and they contacted me saying they found my number and wanted to convey their apologies.”
She continued, “It must have taken courage to apologize, and I think I should accept it considering that feeling. I won’t say much. I hope the future brings you ease, happiness, and good fortune,” showing her magnanimity in accepting Kim Jin-woong's apology.
Kim Jin-woong started his broadcasting career as an announcer at Busan MBC in 2015 and joined KBS as a 46th-anniversary announcer in 2019.
He faced criticism last year during the general election counting broadcast for not properly familiarizing himself with the script, resulting in about 15 seconds of awkward broadcasting, and he submitted a report on the situation. He was selected as the main baseball caster for KBS that same year, but faced criticism for lack of expertise, leading him to issue an apology on SNS stating, “I will accept the criticism regarding my immature broadcasting skills.” He was subsequently excluded from the broadcasts.
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today reporter]
