SBS Plus and ENA have acknowledged the criminal record of Jung-sook from the 23rd season of 'I Am Solo.' Her appearances will be entirely edited out.
On the 31st, Village Chief Entertainment released an official statement, first apologizing to the viewers and expressing their regrets for causing concern.
The production team clarified, "On the first broadcast of the 23rd season, aired on the 30th, suspicions about a participant's criminal history from 13 years ago surfaced in online communities, sparking controversy."
Following the controversy, the production team verified the facts with Jung-sook, confirming the allegations were true. "The production team acknowledged the severity of the issue," they reported.
They admitted to lapses in the verification process. "We request participants to submit documents and conduct in-depth interviews to filter out any criminal history. Despite these measures, issues have arisen and we feel responsible," they stated.
Jung-sook's appearances will be completely edited out. The production team announced they would take measures to ensure viewers are not inconvenienced.
Finally, they added, "We feel gratitude and responsibility towards viewers who strictly verify and warn us about participants. We promise to be more meticulous and cautious in selecting participants and producing the show in the future."
In the previous day's broadcast, 23rd season participant Jung-sook revealed she was a former Miss Korea of Gwangju and Jeonnam in 2010, sharing photos from the competition to promote herself.
However, after the broadcast, suspicions arose online about Jung-sook being a criminal. Netizens identified her as Ms. Park, who committed theft under the pretense of meeting someone 13 years ago.
The evidence was photographic. The photos from the Miss Korea competition shared by Jung-sook were identical to the news photos related to Park's crimes.
According to police, Ms. Park was arrested on theft charges. There were two victims. In January and February 2011, she allegedly stole 3 million won while the men were showering, after agreeing to meet under certain conditions.
Her cohabitant Mr. Seok was waiting in the car outside. He also was arrested on charges of aiding special theft.
Below is the full official statement from Village Chief Entertainment:
To the many viewers who love 'I Am Solo,' we apologize for causing concern.
On October 30, the 23rd season's first broadcast led to controversy after suspicions regarding a participant's criminal history from 13 years ago surfaced in online communities. Recognizing the severity of the situation, the production team plans to take action to ensure viewers are not inconvenienced.
The production team is requesting participants to undergo in-depth interviews and submit various documents to preemptively filter out any socially unacceptable past behaviors, including various criminal records. Despite these processes, issues arose, and we feel greatly responsible. We deeply apologize.
Through this incident, the production team feels gratitude and responsibility towards viewers who strictly verify and warn us about participants. In response to this warm interest, we will be more meticulous and cautious in selecting participants and producing the show in the future.
October 31, 2024
Sincerely,
The Production Team of Village Chief Entertainment
<Photo Source=SBS Plus, ENA 'I Am Solo'>
SBS Plus, ENA
'I Am Solo'
