KBS Variety Show 'Boss's Ears Are Donkey Ears' Production Team Apologizes for Do Kyung-wan's 'Sub' Comment Controversy

In a KBS 2TV variety program, a current anchor referred to former KBS anchor Do Kyung-wan as 'sub' (assistant), sparking controversy and prompting the production team to issue an official apology.

The production team of 'Boss's Ears Are Donkey Ears' stated in an official statement on the evening of the 27th, "We sincerely apologize for causing concern and discomfort to many due to the content aired last week." They added, "We will do our best to ensure that such incidents do not occur again."

The controversy began with a comment made by KBS anchor Kim Jin-woong during a visit to a marriage information company on the broadcast on the 24th. Anchor Kim stated, "I cannot live like senior Do Kyung-wan," and added, "I cannot live as someone’s sub."

In response to this comment, Do Kyung-wan's wife, singer Jang Yoon-jung, expressed her displeasure through social media, stating, "There is no 'sub' among family."

As criticism of Kim's comment spread online, he also posted an apology on his personal social media. He stated, "I apologize for causing concern to Do Kyung-wan and Jang Yoon-jung seniors," and acknowledged, "I was not careful as my enthusiasm got ahead of me." He continued, "As a result, I ended up saying something I should not have."

However, despite his personal apology, viewer backlash continued. Posts demanding Kim's departure from the program and the cancellation of the program appeared one after another on the KBS viewer petition board. It seems that the production team eventually felt the need to issue an official apology due to this public sentiment.

Do Kyung-wan, a graduate of KBS's 35th public recruitment, married singer Jang Yoon-jung in 2013, drawing significant attention. He has been working as a freelance broadcaster since leaving KBS in February 2021.