KBS Announcer Shades Sunbae Announcer, Pisses Off His Superstar Wife Big Time
In a recent episode of KBS‘s Boss In The Mirror, announcer Kim Jin Woong made an unexpectedly snarky comment about his sunbae announcer Do Kyung Wan—and has since received some intense heat, including from Do Kyung Wan’s wife, singer Jang Yoon Jung.
During the show, announcer Um Ji In noted that Do Kyung Wan’s marriage seems to be the most successful. Based on how Do Kyung Wan has come to be known as an absolute sweetheart and a model husband to Jang Yoon Jung, other announcers on the show agreed with Um Ji In.
…except Kim Jin Woong. The hoobae announcer replied, “But I couldn’t live like Do Kyung Wan sunbae-nim.” In fact, while acknowledging that he might sound disrespectful, Kim Jin Woong went on to call Do Kyung Wan a “sub” (short for subordinate) of his wife.
This might sound disrespectful, but I can’t live as someone’s sub.
— Kim Jin Woong
The comment sparked immediate backlash on set and from the viewers. After the episode aired, Jang Yoon Jung took to Instagram, posting screenshots of articles covering Kim Jin Woong’s comment, leaving a stern warning toward the hoobae announcer.
We literally don’t know each other… Ha. If the other person can’t laugh about it with you, your words or actions cannot be considered a joke or playful banter. In a family, there is no such thing as one being a subordinate.
— Jang Yoon Jung
As criticism grew, Kim Jin Woong eventually issued a statement via his social media. He apologized to Do Kyung Wan and Jang Yoon Jung for the “careless remark” and admitted that he “said something I should never have said.”
View this post on Instagram
I sincerely apologize to seniors Do Kyung Wan and Jang Yoon Jung for the careless remark I made on today’s broadcast. I also apologize to the viewers and fans who may have felt uncomfortable because of it. I still lack experience, and because this opportunity felt precious to me, I let my eagerness get ahead of me and failed to be careful. As a result, I said something I should never have said. Do Kyung Wan sunbae-nim has always been warm and supportive, even encouraging me back when I worked in a regional post, telling me to reach out whenever I was hungry. Despite that, I ended up causing him great trouble, and I feel nothing but deep remorse. Through this incident, I’ve realized how deeply thoughtless words can wound others. I will always remain mindful so that this never happens again.
— Kim Jin Woong
Jang Yoon Jung has since deleted her initial post and shared that Kim Jin Woong reached out to them to apologize over the phone. She shared that she has accepted it and decided to move on.
View this post on Instagram
I sincerely thank so many of you for sympathizing with my post, comforting my hurt feelings, and sending me your support. I’m truly, truly grateful. A little while ago, I received a text from an unknown number. He said he had asked around for my number and reached out to deliver an apology. It must have taken courage to apologize, and I believe that if someone comes forward with that intention, I should accept it, at least considering their sincerity. I won’t say much more. I hope that in the days ahead, grace, happiness, and good fortune will always be with him.
— Jang Yoon Jung
Amid the controversy, KBS has since removed their official clip including Kim Jin Woong’s remark from their website.
