‘인혁당 희화화’ 김준일 방송 하차…JTBC “중대 과오” 사과

JTBC formally apologized for their broadcasting of the "Inhap-dang Rebirth" incident from President Park Chung-hee's authoritarian regime. The commentator Kim Jun-il was removed from the show. JTBC released an apology stating, "The presenter and production team failed to control the situation on the day of broadcast." They also expressed deep regret to viewers who suffered emotional distress.

JTBC deleted the video and fired Kim Jun-il. They promised to improve education and prevent similar incidents in the future. The 'Genre Only' production team also released a separate apology on their YouTube channel. They acknowledged their mistake and deeply regretted the incident for the Inhap-dang victims and their families. Kim Jun-il will also be fired from CBS Radio's 'Park Seong-tae's News Show' for his comments.

He stated he will not return to broadcasting for the time being. Earlier on June 26, Kim Jun-il participated in the 'Genre Only' show and suggested alternative names for the Progressive Innovation Party, including "Progressive Innovation Party" or "Democratic Innovation Party." He then said, "The Democratic Party might as well be sentenced to death."

This comment drew comparisons to the Inhap-dang incident, which occurred under Park Chung-hee's regime in 1975 when 8 individuals were executed within 18 hours by the Supreme Court after being accused of being linked to the Inhap-dang. All were later acquitted on appeal in 2007. Due to the backlash from the victim's families, the production team deleted the problematic segment and issued an apology on social media.

Kim Jun-il also expressed regret, but the controversy did not subside as opposition leader Kim Min-seok criticized the broadcast the following day, calling it an overstep.