MBC’s variety show ‘I Live Alone’ has come under scrutiny over a safety equipment issue involving an on-site worker during a bungee jump segment.
In the episode aired on Friday, actor Koo Sung-hwan was shown attempting a bungee jump with an acquaintance. On that day, Koo Sung-hwan climbed onto the high jump platform and expressed his fear, but ultimately succeeded in the bungee jump.
However, after the broadcast, some viewers’ attention shifted to the on-site worker who had assisted Koo’s challenge. This was because the worker managing the bungee cord from the high jump platform appeared not to be wearing any separate fall protection equipment.
On the 17th, one internet user posted on their social media, “Watching ‘I Live Alone,’ I started to wonder if this is acceptable,” pointing out the scene in question. The netizen claimed, “While working on top of the bungee jump platform, and setting aside safety shoes and helmets, they are stepping on the bungee cord without wearing a safety harness for high-altitude work before releasing it.”
He continued, “If the cord were to momentarily wrap around their foot or slip, it would be truly terrifying,” adding, “Although unintentional, it clearly reveals how serious the lack of safety awareness is in our workplaces.” They further added, “I hope the workers on top of the bungee jump platform also always wear safety gear.”
Indeed, the broadcast footage showed the on-site worker appearing to step on the bungee cord with their foot from atop the jump platform before releasing it.
While Koo was wearing safety equipment, no separate fall protection device was clearly visible on the worker. Some internet users who saw this also expressed concern, stating, “I thought it was dangerous while watching,” “If a participant were scared and grabbed the worker’s hand, wouldn’t that be disastrous?” and “The workers’ safety should also be taken into consideration.”
On the other hand, opinions emerged that holding the production team solely responsible for broadcasting the scene is excessive, as safety management of bungee jump facilities is the responsibility of the operating company. It is difficult to definitively determine whether the worker was actually wearing safety equipment or whether on-site safety protocols were violated based solely on some scenes revealed in the broadcast.
Meanwhile, ‘I Live Alone’ had previously been embroiled in a controversy over alleged manipulation surrounding show host Jeon Hyun-moo's impromptu trip to Kazakhstan.
In an episode aired last August, Jeon was shown deciding on his travel destination impulsively at the airport and departing for Kazakhstan. However, suspicions later arose that the filming had been prepared in advance. In response, the production team admitted, “We booked the staff’s flight tickets in advance and also requested cooperation for local filming.”
Nevertheless, Jeon said that he personally purchased his airline ticket at the airport on the day of departure, apologizing by saying, “I have caused misunderstanding and confusion among viewers.”
in ENTERTAINMENT
