"'The Return of Superman' Gary's Fainting Prank Causes Son Hao to Cry... Broadcasting Review Committee Issues Administrative Guidance"

The hidden camera scene of Gary and Hao, father and son, aired on KBS 2TV variety show 'The Return of Superman' (Superman Has Returned) received an administrative guidance sanction. Photo by KBS 2TV 'The Return of Superman' broadcast screen capture

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Seul-gi] The KBS 2TV entertainment program 'The Return of Superman' (Superman) has been issued an administrative guidance disposition.

On the 20th, at the Broadcasting and Communications Deliberation Committee's Broadcasting Deliberation Subcommittee (Chairperson Heo Mi-sook) held at the Broadcasting Hall in Mok-dong, Seoul, a warning was issued regarding 'Superman' for using children's fear as a broadcast material by showing a hidden camera-style scene where a cast member faints while boxing in front of his 27-month-old son, and the frightened son bursts into tears. The committee decided on an administrative guidance of 'recommendation.'

Earlier, in the episode of 'Superman' aired on the 15th, the appearance of Gary and his son Hao visiting a boxing gym together was depicted. In that broadcast, Gary had a boxing match with the gym director in front of Hao and collapsed after being hit repeatedly.

Although the scene was a kind of hidden camera, the broadcast showed Hao being startled and bursting into tears out of fear.

After the broadcast, the international relief and development NGO Save the Children requested the Broadcasting Deliberation Committee to take strict measures, stating that "the broadcast deceived the child and induced the child's fear, consuming it as entertainment."

The Broadcasting Deliberation Subcommittee stated, "When children appear on broadcasts, there is a high possibility that the content may degrade into mere material, neglecting the emotional protection of children. Therefore, public media broadcasts need comprehensive consideration of the impact on children."

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