The Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC) has officially cautioned the MBC radio program 'DooSi’s Date with Ahn Young Mi' for a profanity incident that occurred during a live broadcast. The commission decided during a plenary session on March 31st to issue a "warning" due to an episode aired on October 29th, 2024, in violation of Article 51 of the Broadcasting Review Regulations concerning appropriate language in broadcasting.
In the mentioned live show, host Ahn Young Mi made a joke containing profanity while conversing with THE BOYZ’s Sunwoo. She humorously asked him about handling voice imitation requests, making a quip that included a commonly censored Korean expletive before swiftly correcting it to refer to shoes.
At the session, MBC radio team leader Nam Tae Jung admitted the mistake, acknowledging that both the production team and Ahn Young Mi were aware of the severity of the slip-up. He explained that Ahn was fatigued physically and mentally from continuous filming for the 19+ comedy program SNL Korea, leading to the unintentional inappropriate comment in an attempt to be funny.
KCSC Chairman Ryu Hee Rim criticized the lack of an immediate apology during the broadcast, noting that the station only issued a statement the following day and failed to post a formal apology online. Commissioner Kim Jung Soo highlighted inadequate subsequent actions, drawing a parallel with a 2023 incident where a home shopping host was suspended for two years for using profanity on air.
Ahn Young Mi apologized on air the next day, expressing regret for using inappropriate language and promising to be more mindful of suitable broadcasting language as a DJ during the time slot. She emphasized the importance of constructive feedback and humility, also jokingly mentioning that 'DooSi’s Date' welcomes even mockery as it serves as a sanctuary for jesters.
The warning signifies a legal-level penalty that could impact MBC's license renewals, presenting a significant disciplinary action within Korea's broadcasting standards system.