Jin Joong-kwon: "'PD Notebook' Interview Manipulation Controversy Is Child's Play Compared to 'Dongyang University Certificate'"

Jin Joong-kwon, former professor at Dongyang University / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Seul-gi] Former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon said on the 13th that the controversy over MBC's 'PD Notebook' fabricating an interview by calling a person in their 20s who bought an apartment worth about 900 million won a non-homeowner is "cute compared to the Dongyang University certificate scandal."

On the morning of the same day, Jin posted on his Facebook, attaching an article dealing with the 'PD Notebook' interview fabrication controversy, writing this.

On the 11th, MBC's 'PD Notebook - About the 2020 Housing Prices Part 3' interviewed a woman in her 20s, Ms. A, who lives in a rented apartment in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. In the broadcast, Ms. A said, "If I had bought this house, it would have increased by 120 million won."

Although Ms. A was not directly introduced as a non-homeowner, considering that she appeared as a 'renter' and the overall context of the broadcast, there are criticisms that she appeared like a 'non-homeowner regretting not buying a house.'

Regarding this, the 'PD Notebook' production team issued an official statement on the 11th under the name of MBC's Current Affairs and Culture Headquarters.

The production team said, "During the investigation, we recognized that Ms. A had signed a contract to purchase a small apartment and paid a deposit the day before the interview," adding, "Ms. A requested not to mention the contract because only the deposit was paid, the registration had not been transferred, and if the apartment was exposed, the contract might be canceled or she might suffer disadvantages."

They continued, "As a result, we sincerely apologize for causing confusion to viewers by not disclosing the contract signing," and added, "We also apologize to Ms. A, who kindly gave the interview despite difficulties."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.