KBS issues apology for airing inaccurate information about NewJeans

KBS has formally apologized for airing false information about girl group NewJeans.

On August 27, the broadcaster issued a statement on its viewer petition board, acknowledging:
“During the August 8 broadcast of KBS 1 Radio’s Success Economy with Lee Dae Ho, inaccurate remarks were made by an external guest regarding NewJeans’ legal situation and music activities. We sincerely apologize to NewJeans, their fans, and our listeners for the confusion and concern caused.”

The controversy began when a panelist claimed, “It has been concluded that NewJeans must belong to ADOR, and the group has accepted this,” and further added that “NewJeans has released official music under the name NJZ.” Both statements were untrue.

Following the broadcast, multiple petitions criticizing KBS for spreading misinformation were posted on the viewer board. One petition read: “They presented false information as fact, which was then reported on radio and in articles. We strongly condemn reporting without fact-checking and demand corrections as well as preventive measures.” Another requested an official correction and on-air apology.

In response, KBS explained: “We have issued an apology on the program’s website and YouTube, and edited or deleted all replays and related articles containing the inaccurate remarks.”

The network concluded: “We will strengthen fact-checking and verification procedures to prevent such incidents from recurring and remain committed to upholding KBS’s broadcasting standards.”