'Mr. Trot' Minor Appears Live at 1 AM... Broadcast Review Board to Review According to Regulations

Photo by TV Chosun, capture from 'Mr. Trot'

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Seul-gi] TV Chosun's 'Mr. Trot' sparked controversy for having contestant Jeong Dong-won, who is under 15 years old, appear live past midnight.

The episode of 'Mr. Trot' aired on the night of the 12th featured the final performances of Jang Min-ho, Kim Hee-jae, Kim Ho-joong, Jeong Dong-won, Young Tak, Lee Chan-won, and Lim Young-woong. To prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the finals were pre-recorded without an audience, but the voting results determining the final 'Jin, Seon, Mi' were broadcast live.

The announcement of the final winner began at 12:50 a.m. with all seven contestants present, including 12-year-old Jeong Dong-won, who took the stage. The live broadcast continued until 1:30 a.m.

According to Article 22, Paragraph 2 of the Act on the Development of the Popular Culture and Arts Industry, youths under 15 years old are prohibited from appearing on broadcasts between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. If the following day is a school holiday, they may appear after 10 p.m. with the consent of a parent or guardian, but this is limited to midnight.

Previously, in 2018, when Jang Won-young, who was under 15, advanced to the finals of the idol audition program 'Produce 48,' the broadcast time was moved earlier to finish the live show before midnight.

The Korea Communications Standards Commission stated, "We have received numerous complaints regarding Jeong Dong-won's appearance after midnight on 'Mr. Trot.' The matter will be forwarded to the relevant department for review, and a determination will be made based on the broadcasting regulations."

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