South Korean actress Lee Yul Eum is under heavy criticism from Thailand for catching and eating giant clams, she could face time in prison for that.
SBS popular TV show “Law of the Jungle in Lost Island” is under controversy for an episode that aired on June 29. In that episode, actress Lee Yul Eum catches giant clams and then proceeds to cook and consume them along with the rest of the cast. When the scene was shared on social media it caused outrage and for a very good reason.
The clams she caught are endangered species; they were classified as such back in 1992. Harvesting them subjects you to a fine of 40,000 Thai Baht (approximately $1,300) or a jail sentence of up to five years.
After the show was made aware of the major issue with their broadcast, they issued an apology and took down the videos from their official website. In their apology, they claim they weren’t properly informed of the local regulations.
The show was granted permission to film in the area from the Tourism Department of Thailand and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.
The issue becomes worse when taking into consideration the park official statement. In their statement, they explain the show was already aware of the laws and regulations which contradict what SBS told news sources.
The park also states that it was difficult to monitor the team as they were not informed every time filming took place in different areas within the park.
Later, Narong Kongaid, the head of Hat Chao Mai National Park (where the show was filmed) told news outlets that two charges were filed on Wednesday against the actress for violating the law, she faces up to five years imprisonment. Narong Kongaid also says that the park has strict regulations and the crew was properly informed.
They also explain this is a criminal charge and they will not back down even though the show apologized. The police are also reportedly looking for ways to find the actress who is not in Thailand anymore.
According to Kpop herald, if pursued under the National Parks laws, she faces up to five years imprisonment, if sought for breaking the Wildlife Protection she faces up to four years. Both laws carry a fine as well.
Fans do agree that the show needs to be held responsible but many are not liking the fact that the actress is the one to blame unless she was made aware of how rare the clams were before she hunted them.
What do you think of this?
I have seen law of the jungle for many years, and if there is regulation about wildlife conservation they always abide the rule. Little example was in new zealand episode. I think the crew aren’t properly informed by thailand conservation organization.
She caught it. She pays the price. I mean it isn’t that hard to study on the area you’re going to beforehand.
Yeah I mean that’s like me (A person from Colorado) going to South Korea and smoking weed and being all like “uhh yeah I wasn’t made aware that weed isn’t legal here so uhh I get a free pass right?” Nah fam
I don’t think that’s a very good comparison. For starters, you’re assuming that she knew about the clams and their endangerment. There is the (likely) possibility that she did not know anything about them.