Writer and broadcaster Kwak Jeong-eun has issued an apology, 12 years after making risqué remarks concerning Jang Ki-ha.
On the 18th, a video titled "What does a 48-year-old single woman do at night? A real night routine and my personal favorite items" was posted on Kwak Jeong-eun's YouTube channel.
In the video, after promoting the bed she uses, Kwak Jeong-eun said, "The word 'bed' is very special to me. Many people can probably guess why."
Kwak Jeong-eun stated, "Twelve years ago, I appeared on a variety show and made a remark to a male celebrity: 'He's the kind of man who makes you wonder how he would be in bed.' I received many comments asking, 'How could you say something like that?'"
Previously, Kwak Jeong-eun caused controversy in 2014 when she appeared on SBS variety show "Magic Eye" and said about Jang Ki-ha, "When he sits still, he appears quiet, but as soon as he starts singing, he has explosive energy. That makes you wonder how he would be in bed."
Kwak Jeong-eun explained, "To speak now, I spent most of my life over the past 13 years working at a media outlet that publishes the most sexual articles in Korea (Cosmopolitan). Among them, I lived as a journalist who wrote many such articles. At the time, my understanding of broadcasting was low, and I failed to realize that expressions acceptable in magazines could cause discomfort because they are seen by a much larger audience on broadcast."
She added, "Regardless of my intent, I have come to understand that it is the speaker's responsibility to consider the timing and context of their words. With belated sincerity, I offer my deepest apologies to those who found my past remarks uncomfortable," bowing her head.
At the same time, Kwak Jeong-eun urged those still posting malicious comments due to the remark to exercise restraint.
Kwak Jeong-eun said, "Even now, some people are still commenting, 'How would she be in bed?' It is too short a life to continue hating one person over something someone said 12 years ago. I hope you can let go of your anger and pay attention to the various stories I share going forward."
As a result of this controversy, Kwak Jeong-eun left the program she was appearing on in 2014. At that time, she claimed, "Jang Ki-ha took my remarks in a cheerful manner. The day after recording, he even invited me to his new album concert," insisting it was not sexual harassment.
She further stated, "I am aware of criticisms that the level of remarks was unacceptable for terrestrial broadcasting. However, this program was recorded one week before airing, not live. Determining whether such content is appropriate for terrestrial broadcasting and conducting self-censorship entirely falls to the production team," expressing her sense of grievance at the time.
in ENTERTAINMENT
