Disney+ variety show 'Battle of Fates' has come under fire after airing a fortune-telling segment involving a fallen firefighter. As controversy grows over whether the bereaved family gave proper consent, the production team has issued a cautious response.
On February 17, representatives of Disney+’s 'Battle of Fates' told OSEN, “It is true that we obtained consent from the bereaved family for the episode in question,” adding, “We are currently confirming details related to the issue with the production company.”
'Battle of Fates' is a survival-style reality program in which 49 fortune tellers—including shamans, saju practitioners, tarot readers, and physiognomists—compete through various missions. Episodes 1 through 4 were released on February 11. The controversy centers on a mission featured in Episode 2 titled “Guess the Cause of Death.”
During the segment, the production team presented contestants with clues such as a photo of the deceased, birth time, and time of death, prompting them to deduce the cause of death. The broadcast referenced the late Fire Sergeant Kim Cheol Hong, who died in the line of duty at the 2001 Hongje-dong fire in Seodaemun District, Seoul. Some contestants speculated about possibilities including fire, structural collapse, and crushing injuries, citing saju readings and intuition, while others reacted on camera.
Following the broadcast, clips from the segment spread across social media, triggering criticism such as “This is disrespectful to the deceased” and “Is it appropriate to frame someone’s cause of death as a guessing game?”
Adding to the controversy, an online user claiming to be the firefighter’s nephew posted on social media, raising concerns about how consent from the family had been obtained. The post alleged that the production team initially described the project as a documentary in nature, but that it ultimately aired as a “shamanistic survival variety show.”
However, the claims are based on an online post, and the identity of the writer and specific facts surrounding the allegations have not been independently verified.
The production team has stated that it is “currently confirming details through the production company,” and attention is now focused on whether an additional official statement will be released.
Meanwhile, 'Battle of Fates' garnered attention as the show features Park Na Rae, who recently announced her hiatus due to the ongoing controversy. Addressing Park Na Rae’s appearance and screen time, the production team explained that the comedian would only appear as oneof several panelists and the program was recorded long before her controversy. Episodes 5 through 7 of 'Battle of Fates' are scheduled for release on February 18.
SHARE
