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A KBS morning show apologized for a male guest's inappropriate remarks on women and disabled people which aired last Thursday.
In a statement posted on its website on Wednesday, KBS apologized for comedian Eom Yong-soo's choice of words while delivering his message during the show.
"We, KBS, and Mr. Eom had no intention at all to insult or disrespect women or disabled people. We are truly sorry for his inappropriate remarks," the statement read. "Mr. Eom used some expressions that obviously crossed the line and we're deeply sorry for letting his remarks air. It was a live program and thus there was little we could do to prevent his verbal abuse."
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| Comedian Eom Yong-soo / Korea Times file |
During the show last Thursday, Eom, 64, said he didn't care how much he is paid and always accepts offers to appear at festivals or on shows.
"I was invited to a pepper festival and the host paid me with pepper. If I go to a strawberry festival, I get paid with strawberries. This is the case for beauty pageant events, too. I would get one of the winners in return for my work," he said.
The TV show host tried to stop him from going further as he recognized the comedian made a slip of the tongue. But Eom didn't heed his advice and kept going.
"Have you ever seen or read any news articles about me that I sexually harassed women? You haven't seen any because I would get caught easily if I try it and run away because I cannot run," he said. The comedian was referring to a car accident in which he lost one of his big toes.
"(Because I am disabled) I get 30 percent off whenever I buy air tickets. Due to the discount, I save as much as 10 million won ($10,000) every year," he said.
His remarks caused a stir.
A group of activists working for disabled people issued a statement demanding the comedian apologize for his distasteful remarks.
They claimed Eom violated the law banning discrimination based on disability as he insulted disabled people with his remarks. "He made it sound as if disabled people make lots of money by taking advantage of their disability, which is not true at all whatsoever," the statement read. The activists demanded KBS and the comedian apologize for his inappropriate remarks as well as letting such a thing happen.
KBS followed their call. But Eom has not responded to their request.
