Web entertainment programs released through YouTube have recently made controversial statements, drawing criticism from netizens.

On the 27th of last month, the YouTube channel 'Dallas Studio' released the first episode of the new season of 'Negotiation King.' Kim Won-hoon, who became the new MC following Hwang Kwanghee, Jang Young-ran, and Hong Hyun-hee, took his first step as the 'Negotiation King' MC through an ice cream negotiation.

That day, Kim Won-hoon went out to the streets for citizen interviews, and during his first interview, while talking to a couple, he opened with, "Isn't this a motel district?" and "Did everyone get home yesterday?" To this, the man replied, "We just came out," and Kim Won-hoon, watching the man's lips, joked, "There are lipstick marks.."

In response, some netizens pointed out Kim Won-hoon's remarks, saying, "That's really rude," "It's outright sexual harassment, both the person making the joke and the editing team not cutting it out," "It's not enough to commit sexual harassment, but also not editing it out?" "The video is really unpleasant," and "Those who think this is okay should experience that joke while walking down the street."

As the controversy grew, 'Negotiation King' apologized through the YouTube channel comments on the 3rd, saying, "We sincerely apologize to the citizens and subscribers who felt uncomfortable due to some inappropriate expressions during the citizen interview in Episode 1," and "We will carefully accept your opinions and have edited that scene. We will be more cautious in our production going forward."

Before 'Negotiation King,' the words of Haewon from 'Workman' and Lee Yong-jin from 'Yongtaro' also raised eyebrows among netizens. In February, Haewon worked at a toast shop in Daechi-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, and when elementary school friends came in, asked, "Do you all live here in Daechi-dong?"

When a student said, "I live in Apgujeong," Haewon specifically asked, "Where in Apgujeong?" When the student answered, "Hyundai APT.," Haewon exchanged glances with the staff, showing signs of controversy.

Subsequently, the student asked Haewon, "I want to lose weight, how can I lose it well?" Haewon replied, "Why lose weight, you need to grow now," expressing sympathy, and said, "You must have someone you like," in surprise. To this, the male student added, "I do, but I think I would look a bit cooler if I lost weight." When Haewon suggested a video message, he shyly confessed to the camera, "I think it would be nice if we dated," eliciting youthful charm.

Amid discussions about the puppy love of teenagers, the production crew noticed that students were wearing high-priced padding. Mentioning the brand, they asked, "Who bought this for you?" to which the reply was, "My father." Haewon then asked, "Is your father a doctor?" and when the surprising answer was, "No," she apologized, feeling awkward.

However, the boy who had left a video message confessing said, "My father is a doctor." To this, Haewon laughed and said, "Oh, right. You said you live in Hyundai APT. in Apgujeong," At that moment, a male staff member jokingly remarked, "You can just confess," and Haewon chimed in, "That's right," as a subtitle reading 'Alpha Male Early Confirmation' appeared.

In relation to this, netizens pointed out the excessive probing into the students' backgrounds. Some netizens criticized the expression 'Alpha Male', using their father's profession and place of residence as justification, and argued that it was wrong to claim one could confess to the person they liked. Additional criticisms followed, but the 'Workman' team did not post any particular video editing or apology.

Meanwhile, Lee Yong-jin recently faced backlash for swearing at a girl group member on 'Yongtaro.' On the 19th of last month, while talking to Le Sserafim's Chaewon on 'Yongtaro,' Lee Yong-jin suddenly said, "I'm really annoyed about how the birth rate is low these days, and the forms of marriage have changed, damn it." He apologized, saying, "I'm sorry for swearing," but added, "I heard a new student just entered in Ganghwa, Incheon. A first grader."

To this, Kim Chaewon empathized, saying, "Wow, that's serious," and Lee Yong-jin remarked, "It's not something I should say to you, but it's really frustrating. It's just a venting." He reiterated, "Anyway, I'm sorry. I’m sorry, Chaewon."

Some netizens strongly opposed and pointed out the remarks made. In fact, the comments on the video included, "Lee Yong-jin is rude. What's wrong with him?" "If you’re unhappy with the birth rate, please give birth yourself," "Complaining about the low birth rate in front of a young female idol," "Please write it in your diary."

As the controversy intensified, the production team continued to delete critical comments, and Lee Yong-jin's remarks were edited without separate explanations. In relation to this, neither the 'Yongtaro' team nor Lee Yong-jin has made any particular statements.

With those involved in web entertainment facing backlash for their 'controversial statements,' opinions have emerged among netizens that web entertainment should have appropriate standards similar to broadcasting programs. In the case of web entertainment through YouTube, there are no separate broadcasting standards, leading to varying responses from production companies.

However, since there are no separate reviews, the response from producers and cast members becomes even more crucial. To become beloved content, it is essential to remember that maintaining appropriate boundaries is important.

[Photo] OSEN DB, YouTube capture

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