The production team of 'Battle of Fates' has issued an official apology following controversy over alleged disrespect toward deceased public servants.
On the morning of February 24th KST, the production team released a statement expressing condolences: “We honor the fallen individuals who appeared on ‘Battle of Fates’ and extend our deepest sympathy and respect to their bereaved families.”
They continued, “During a segment in which a shaman cast a reading without knowing the identity of the deceased, inappropriate language and descriptions were used. We sincerely apologize to the fallen individuals, the bereaved families who may have been hurt, their colleagues, and everyone who was troubled by this matter.”
The team added that they are currently listening to the concerns of the families and working toward resolution, acknowledging that they failed to fully consider the emotional impact beforehand. They pledged to exercise greater care in future productions and to strengthen internal review and production processes.
The controversy stems from Episode 2 of the Disney+ variety program, which featured a mission titled “Guess the Cause of Death.” Participants, including shamans, were asked to deduce the cause of death based on limited clues.
In one case, the show presented information about the late Fire Sergeant Kim Chul Hong, who died in the line of duty during a 2001 fire in Hongje dong, Seodaemun gu, Seoul. Some cast members speculated about possible causes such as collapse, fire, or crushing based on fortune telling interpretations. After the episode aired, viewers criticized the segment as disrespectful to the deceased.
The bereaved family of the late Kim Chul Hong expressed anger, stating they could not understand why the death of someone who sacrificed his life to save others was portrayed in such a manner.
Another segment involving the late Police Officer Lee Jae Hyun, who was fatally stabbed in 2004 while apprehending a suspect, also drew backlash. During the mission, one shaman used a slang term referring to stabbing, and host Jun Hyun Moo repeated the term while moderating, further fueling criticism.
The National Police Officials Workplace Council demanded a public apology from the broadcaster, an official apology to the bereaved families and police officers nationwide, and the immediate removal of the episode in question.
Jun Hyun Moo’s side issued a separate apology on February 23rd, stating that he had repeated certain words while organizing a cast member’s comments and had failed to sufficiently consider the appropriateness of the expression.
In its full statement, the production team reiterated:
“We once again express our deepest condolences and respect to the fallen individuals who appeared on ‘Battle of Fates’ and their bereaved families. We sincerely apologize for the inappropriate language and descriptions that emerged during the fortune telling segment. We are listening carefully to the families and working toward solutions. We will strengthen our internal review and production processes to ensure greater care in all aspects of broadcasting. We deeply apologize once again.”
SEE ALSO: Jun Hyun Moo donated 20 million won to help KBS colleagues during past strike
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