Broadcaster Shin Jeong-hwan expressed his opinion on Baek Jong-won, a restaurant entrepreneur who has recently been embroiled in controversy over his ‘abuse of power’ in the broadcasting industry.

In the first episode of Season 2 of ‘Non Non Non’ released on the YouTube channel ‘Channel Fixed’ on the 9th, Shin Jeong-hwan opened up about the recent controversy surrounding Baek Jong-won by saying, “Byung-gyu and I both know this, but when it comes to the media, even one small mistake can make the whole thing bigger.”

On that day, guest Kang Byung-kyu said, “These days, public opinion toward Baek Jong-won is at a level of a graveyard,” and “Even the catchphrases and famous quotes from past popular programs are all being dismissed as false, and the story is being distorted to say that there were victims or that it was bullying.” In response, Im Deok-yeong also drew the line, saying, “He deserves to be scolded, but criticism that covers up all the achievements he has built up so far should not be tolerated.”

Shin Jeong-hwan acknowledged Baek Jong-won’s contributions, saying, “Honestly, I really like him.It’s hard for people, from single-person households to families, to even make kimchi stew at home.It’s true that thanks to him, food culture, cooking culture, and single-person household culture have developed.”

Regarding the issue of exercising influence within the broadcasting station, he said, “I heard that because of him, one broadcasting station’s advertising budget for a year was swayed.I think the influence that is being shown in the news now can be like that,” and explained, “It is natural to want to look good to MCs, PD, and writers.It was common in our time.”

Shin Jeong-hwan also expressed his position, saying, “The law should of course not be broken, but it is not illegal to exert influence in the broadcasting industry,” and “It is unfortunate that the current controversy is spreading excessively.”

The co-stars also expressed various opinions about the influence controversy.Lim Deok-yeong said, “In the entertainment industry, there are groups of people who stick together and move around, but strictly speaking, that can be considered bullying,” and Jang Hye-ri pointed out the differences in interpretation of the situation, saying, “Even a single word about influencing casting can be perceived as bullying depending on how you take it.”

Meanwhile, Baek Jong-won recently announced that he would temporarily suspend his activities and focus on his franchise business.The controversy continues as suspicions arise that the production team excluded a certain professor who had expressed critical opinions from appearing on the show.



Reporter Lee Su com jin sujinl22@donga

This article is automatically translated using Google AI. If you notice any inaccuracies, please let us know at allkstar@donga.com.