The production team of "Ask Us Anything Fortune Teller" is facing backlash for trying to recruit the bereaved family of the sinkhole accident victim in Gangdong District.
On the 30th, A, the sister of Park, the sinkhole victim from Myongil-dong in Seoul's Gangdong District, revealed a recruitment DM received from the production team of KBS Joy's "Ask Us Anything Fortune Teller" via her personal social media, questioning, "Am I being overly sensitive? Is this appropriate?"
The released photo included the recruitment contact sent by the production team. The team stated, "Our program features Seo Jang-hoon and Lee Soo-geun who provide counseling on concerns from ordinary people. After seeing the reel you posted on your account regarding surviving family members of the sinkhole accident, we would like to cautiously ask if you would be willing to receive counseling about what you discussed."
In response, A expressed anger, asking, "Is this entertaining? Is it a mockery? Is this situation a source of entertainment? Are we tarnishing the faces of the panelists? Is this reasonable?" She added, "Is it true that many people with unusual ways of thinking are in broadcasting or journalism? I'm genuinely curious," and criticized, "Let's not tarnish the journalists and writers who are sincerely dedicating themselves to this matter. I've been patient, but this is excessive."
The production team apologized after sending the recruitment message, saying, "We sincerely apologize for not considering that our cautious recruitment proposal might be perceived as unpleasant. Our program is a 'concern counseling' program that addresses the issues faced by various individuals, beyond just being a variety show," and sent another DM.
The production team explained, "Therefore, we offered recruitment with the intention of being supportive to those affected by significant issues. We respectfully clarify that it was not merely a recruitment intention for a simple entertainment program, as you might think. We once again extend our apologies and express our condolences."
However, A responded to the production team, saying, "Who doesn't know that it's a counseling program? Do you think my current situation is suitable for being featured on that show? I want to ask this. If we switched places, how could my situation possibly relate to a concern where I could gain help? Can you resurrect the dead?" She added, "If you understood how heavy and sensitive our family's situation is, you wouldn't have made contact in this manner."
In response, netizens remarked, "Recommending bereaved families to consult with entertainers instead of actual counselors?" "What difference does it make if you talk about it on the show?" "If they apply themselves, it’s one thing, but why make a recruitment request?"
In response, the team from "Ask Us Anything Fortune Teller" confirmed to OSEN, "It is true that we reached out to the bereaved families of sinkhole victims. We later expressed our apology to the families, considering it an unwise judgment," and stated, "In the future, we will enhance our recruitment process to produce the program more thoughtfully."
[Photo] Broadcast poster, SNS
[OSEN]