MBC's popular entertainment program "I Live Alone" has come under fire for glamorizing alcohol consumption, leading to a formal reprimand from the Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC).
On the 18th, during a meeting at the Mokdong Broadcasting Center in Seoul, the KCSC issued a warning against "I Live Alone" for repeatedly airing drinking scenes along with subtitles and direction that promote alcohol. Specific controversial moments include Park Na-rae making and drinking blackberry wine in July, Jihyo from TWICE drinking draft beer in August, and announcer Kim Dae-ho consuming makgeolli in September. This was further exacerbated by drinking scenes involving SHINee's Key and Lee Jang-woo, which drew complaints from viewers.
The problematic subtitles and remarks included phrases like "the clean taste of Ggang soju" and "the refreshing sensation that hits the throat," which the KCSC deemed to glamorize or encourage drinking. The Commission's action reflects a growing concern about the portrayal of alcohol in shows targeted at audiences aged 15 and above.
Additionally, other broadcasting programs such as KBS, SBS Power FM, and TBC also faced repercussions on the same day. SBS Power FM's "Escape from Two O'Clock Cultwo Show" received a warning for excessively promoting sponsored products, while TBC's "Live Good Day" and MBN's "MBN News Center" received administrative guidance. KBS news programs were also cautioned after complaints were raised about biased reporting regarding the separation of broadcasting fees.