KBS apologized for broadcasting the opera “Madame Butterfly,” set in Japan, on Liberation Day.
KBS stated in an official statement on the 15th, “We apologize for causing concern and disappointment to our viewers regarding the broadcast of the performing arts recording program.”
Earlier, KBS-1TV aired “KBS Broadcast Seat” at midnight on the 15th. The recorded performance of the opera “Madame Butterfly,” held at the Seoul Arts Center on June 29, was broadcasted.
“Madame Butterfly” is an opera by Giacomo Puccini. It depicts the tragic love between an American soldier and a Japanese woman, set in Nagasaki, Japan, after World War II.
In the performance of “Madame Butterfly,” the performers appear on stage wearing traditional Japanese kimonos. Especially in the wedding scene, Japan’s national anthem “Kimigayo” is played.
Immediately after the broadcast, complaints were posted on KBS’ viewer petition board. Criticisms flooded in, such as “A public broadcaster playing Kimigayo on Liberation Day” and “The license fee is wasted.”
KBS explained, “The broadcast was originally scheduled for the end of July, but it was postponed due to the Olympic broadcast, leading to its airing on the dawn of Liberation Day.”
They continued, “It was the production team’s fault for not precisely checking and reviewing whether there were any issues with the content or if it was appropriate in terms of timeliness,” and added, “We deeply apologize once again for causing a controversy on such a meaningful Liberation Day.”
Finally, KBS promised, “We will conduct a thorough investigation to ensure that this does not happen again and will hold those responsible accountable, paying more attention to the production process.”
<The following is the full official statement from KBS>
First and foremost, we apologize to our viewers for causing concern and disappointment regarding the broadcast of the performing arts recording program <KBS Broadcast Seat>.
The opera <Madame Butterfly> is a work by Italian composer Puccini, depicting the tragic love between an American soldier stationed in Japan and a Japanese woman. In the wedding scene of the main characters, both the American and Japanese anthems, including Kimigayo, are played.
The performance was recorded on June 29 and was initially scheduled to be broadcast at the end of July, but it was delayed due to the Olympic broadcast, leading to its airing on the dawn of Liberation Day.
We deeply apologize once again for causing a controversy on such a meaningful Liberation Day due to the production team’s failure to precisely review whether there were any issues with the content or if it was appropriate in terms of timeliness, considering the changed schedule.
We will conduct a thorough investigation to ensure that this does not happen again and will hold those responsible accountable, paying more attention to the production process.
Regarding this matter, the second part of <Madame Butterfly>, originally scheduled to be broadcast tonight, has been decided to be replaced with another performance broadcast.
Photo Source: [KBS]
