MBC Faces Backlash for 'Double Standards' in Handling Lee Yi-kyung and Baek Jong-won Controversies

MBC is under fire from viewers for its seemingly contradictory responses to controversies involving actor Lee Yi-kyung and entrepreneur Baek Jong-won. The broadcaster faced immediate calls for Lee Yi-kyung's departure from a show, while proceeding with the broadcast of a program featuring Baek Jong-won, sparking accusations of inconsistency.

On the 22nd, the production team of 'How Do You Play?' officially released a statement on their SNS acknowledging that Lee Yi-kyung's claims of being pressured to eat noodles excessively and being asked to leave the show were true. Lee Yi-kyung had previously revealed that he was asked to leave the program and chose to depart voluntarily after revealing he had filed a lawsuit against rumor spreaders.

The production team stated they determined it would be difficult for Lee Yi-kyung to continue participating in the variety show, given the nature of the program and the ongoing media attention surrounding personal rumors. However, critics argue that this decision was too hasty, especially since Lee Yi-kyung had strongly denied the rumors and their veracity had not yet been clearly established.

This move also reportedly goes against the core philosophy of 'How Do You Play?'. Prioritizing the show's image over the truth of the controversy and immediately suggesting a departure is seen as conflicting with the 'strong camaraderie' that the show has often emphasized. This contrasts with other variety shows like SBS Plus and ENA's 'Solo Liberation', which continued to feature Lee Yi-kyung.

MBC's actions have also drawn accusations of being 'hypocritical'. While applying strict standards to Lee Yi-kyung, the broadcaster has taken a completely opposite stance with Baek Jong-won. MBC began airing 'Chef of the Antarctic' on the 17th, a show where Baek Jong-won and celebrities travel to Antarctica to serve food to the crew.

Viewers' reactions have been cold. Baek Jong-won has been embroiled in several controversies related to his company, Theborn Korea, including 'Baeck-ham price disputes' and 'false origin labeling', leading him to announce a temporary hiatus from broadcasting activities in May.

However, by airing 'Chef of the Antarctic', MBC has effectively provided Baek Jong-won a platform for his return after six months. The program's broadcast was initially postponed due to the controversies surrounding Baek Jong-won, but the decision was made to proceed.

The production team insists that 'Chef of the Antarctic' is not a show centered on Baek Jong-won. PD Hwang Soon-gyu, when asked if the cast member's personal issues affected the broadcast, acknowledged that MBC had engaged in deep deliberation and the production team was acutely aware of the situation. However, he emphasized that the program is not a 'cooking show' where the cast member is the protagonist.

PD Hwang explained that the program explores the meaning of humanity, nature, and coexistence in the extreme environment of Antarctica, making it crucial to convey its intrinsic value to viewers. Despite this explanation, viewers express disappointment in MBC's divergent approach. The network's decision to remove Lee Yi-kyung based on unproven rumors, while offering a comeback stage to Baek Jong-won, who voluntarily suspended his activities, has raised significant questions about MBC's fairness and its criteria for participants.

Netizens are expressing strong criticism, with comments like, "Is it the same broadcasting station? Lee Yi-kyung's departure was too hasty, but they're welcoming Baek Jong-won back," and "I don't understand MBC's criteria for casting and removing participants." Concerns about fairness are also being raised.