SBS broadcasts a formal apology for their Ilbe image controversy

Before the broadcast of the October 23 episode of 'Shocking of the World', SBS aired a formal apology, once again addressing their latest Ilbe controversy in which they showed President Roh Moo Hyun's face imposed on Shin Yun Bok's famous painting 'Scenery on Dano Day'.

SBS stated, "During this past October 16 episode of 'Shocking of the World', a broadcasting accident occurred in which the aired original work of Shin Yun Bok's 'Scenery on Dano Day' was a derogatory, edited image featuring the former President Roh Moo Hyun." They continued, "We sincerely apologize to the grieving family and the viewers for the former President Roh Moo Hyun broadcasting incident."

By broadcasting the edited painting, viewers have accused SBS of having Ilbe members as employees. Ilbe is a website that is notorious for its misogynistic users who emphasize freedom of speech and use that right to make controversial statements and trends. One of these trends includes expressing hatred towards former President Roh and mocking his suicide. Thus, when SBS broadcasted an image of the edited painting containing Roh's floating face, viewers were quick to suspect that the reference was a derogatory, Ilbe one.

SBS added that there will be changes to how the show 'Shocking of the World' runs, stating, "SBS has thoroughly inspected this broadcasting accident and the program is currently undergoing a disciplinary procedure." They continued, "In addition, we will be preparing a multiple inspection system for the production process of the program in order to prevent these kinds of incidents from happening ever again." They concluded, "Once again we deeply apologize to the grieving family of the former President Roh Moo Hyun and to the viewers."

Netizens have mostly been unconvinced by the apology, saying, "Among these rascals there's an Ilbe kid," "What did President Roh Moo Hyun do so wrong that this happens," and, "So? Did [the PD] quit? Did you not make him?"