KBS Variety Show Under Criticism for Airing a North Korean Defector’s Confession of an Illegal Act

On a recent episode of KBS Joy’s Ask Anything, a North Korean defector of 6 years confessed a worry she’s been having, which later came under fire for being illegal.

This woman risked her life to escape North Korea, and although she got married and had a child in South Korea, her parents are still living a rough life in North Korea.

The woman confessed that she sent her parents around 400,000 to 500,000 won a month (~$325 USD – $410 USD) totaling 15 million won (~$12,000 USD).

But the problem is that this time, they requested a large sum of money all at once.

My parents said they have a debt of around 10 million won (~$8000 USD) worth of North Korean currency. 10 million won is worth around 72 million won (~$60,000 USD) in North Korea.

– Woman

She confessed,

Every time I send them money, they just spend it all without paying off their debt. My mother’s reckless way of spending is becoming a problem. And since I haven’t seen my parents in a long time, it’s a big worry.

– Woman

Regarding the unfortunate situation, the hosts, Seo Jang Hoon and Lee Soo Geun sympathized with the woman.

How can parents act like that?

– Lee Soo Geun

But the TV show came under fire shortly after the broadcast for airing a situation that is illegal.

According to the National Security Law, remitting money to North Korea is illegal and can lead to severe punishment.

Back in 2018, one North Korean defector sent rice to his family in North Korea from South Korea and was arrested and charged for the crime.

KBS Joy’s Ask Anything has yet to make a statement on the controversy.