"CNN Indonesia Apologizes for Using Hyun Bin's Photo in 'Kim Jong Un Health Rumors' with 'Why Is Captain Ri Jeong-hyeok Here?'"

CNN Indonesia reported on the 21st about rumors regarding the health issues of North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un, using a photo featuring actor Hyun Bin. The photo shows Leader Kim (left) and Hyun Bin (right) / Photo by CNN Indonesia screen capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] CNN Indonesia caused a broadcasting error by using a photo of actor Hyun Bin while reporting on rumors about North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un's health issues. The broadcaster later apologized, stating it was unintentional.

According to local media on the 23rd (local time), CNN Indonesia reported on the 21st that "Chairman Kim recently underwent surgery for cardiovascular disease and is rumored to be in critical condition."

The broadcaster sparked controversy by using photos of Hyun Bin and Chairman Kim side by side in the report. The released photo was confirmed to be of Hyun Bin, who appeared as a North Korean officer in the recently concluded tvN drama Crash Landing on You.

The captured image was shared and spread through SNS and other platforms. Local netizens who saw the photo reportedly reacted with comments such as "Why is Captain Ri Jeong-hyeok appearing there?"

Subsequently, CNN Indonesia acknowledged the mistake and allocated time during the news to apologize. CNN Indonesia stated, "This news concerns Chairman Kim and is unrelated to the character 'Captain Ri Jeong-hyeok' from the Korean drama," adding, "It was not intentional, and we apologize for the error."

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