'Abuse Allegation' KBS Drama Taejong Yi Bang-won Production Team "Denies Allegation"

The KBS drama production team accused of animal abuse during the filming of the drama 'Taejong Yi Bang-won' denied the charges at their first trial.

At the first hearing held at 10:30 a.m. on the 13th at the Seoul Southern District Court before Judge Jeon Beom-sik of Criminal Division 8, the three production staff members?KBS PD Kim, stunt director Hong, and horse owner and drama equestrian team leader Lee?as well as the broadcaster KBS, all denied the charges.

According to the prosecution, Kim and others are accused of violating the Animal Protection Act by causing physical pain to animals during the filming of the drama 'Taejong Yi Bang-won' in November 2021. It is reported that Kim and others tied a rope to the horse's front legs to deliberately make it fall for a falling scene, causing physical pain to the animal despite it not being for breeding or training purposes. The injured horse died five days after the filming date.

Kim's side stated, "We acknowledge the facts but will dispute whether the acts constitute abuse." Hong's side also said, "We generally admit the facts but deny that the use of tools or other cruel methods caused injury," adding, "Even if it did, there was no intent to abuse." Lee also denied the charges.

The animal protection organization Kara filed a complaint against Kim and others in January last year. After investigation, the police forwarded the case to the prosecution at the end of January. The Criminal Division 2 of the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office indicted Kim and two others without detention in July and applied joint liability provisions to indict KBS as well.

The next trial is scheduled for 11 a.m. on the 25th of next month.

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