KBS Heavily Criticized For Broadcasting Opera Set In Japan On Korean’s Liberation Day
KBS has come under heavy fire for broadcasting an opera set in Japan on the 79th anniversary of Liberation Day.
An opera with “Kimigayo” and women wearing kimonos was aired on Liberation Day, sparking not only surprise but also anger from viewers. KBS apologized, acknowledging it as a mistake by the production team and announced plans for a thorough investigation.
On the 15th of August, KBS aired the Japan-set opera “Madama Butterfly” through its cultural arts program “KBS Relay.” The broadcast was a recording of a performance staged at the Seoul Arts Center in June. “Madama Butterfly,” set in 19th-century Japan, portrays the tragic love story between a U.S. Navy officer and a geisha. The female protagonist wears a kimono, and most characters also appear in kimonos. During the protagonist’s wedding scene, the Japanese national anthem “Kimigayo” is played, and Japanese military songs also feature.
A work heavily steeped in Japanese influences was coincidentally aired on KBS, a public broadcaster, starting from 12:00 AM on the 79th anniversary of Liberation Day. Right after the broadcast, KBS’s viewer counseling office’s board was flooded with complaints such as “This is not what a public broadcaster should do,” “Is this a Japanese broadcast?” and “Was this schedule made in a sound state of mind? It’s ridiculous.”
As the controversy intensified, KBS quickly issued a statement that same day, apologizing for “causing concern and disappointment.” KBS explained, “The program was originally scheduled to air in late July, but due to the Olympic coverage, it was postponed and broadcasted on the morning of Liberation Day.” They added, “The production team failed to accurately review and verify the timing and content of the broadcast, resulting in a regrettable incident on the meaningful day of Liberation Day. We sincerely apologize once again.” They also announced that the second part of the broadcast scheduled for that day would be replaced with another program.
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