Reporter Sparks Outrage for Hitting First Lady with Camera Mic: MBN Apologizes Amid Public Backlash
A media firestorm has erupted in South Korea after an MBN video journalist struck First Lady Kim Hye-kyung on the head with a camera-mounted microphone during a live broadcast on June 3. The incident occurred amid the excitement of Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung’s anticipated electoral victory and has since drawn sharp public condemnation.
The event unfolded outside Lee’s residence in Gyeyang-gu, Incheon, as he left for the party’s headquarters in Yeouido. Kim Hye-kyung, joining her husband to greet supporters, became the unintended victim of a journalist’s aggressive maneuvering. The MBN cameraman, attempting to secure footage, allegedly grabbed Kim’s left arm and forcefully struck her head with a mounted mic, shocking viewers and igniting social media outrage.
In the broadcast footage, Kim flinched and touched her head, visibly startled by the blow. Despite the impact, she quickly composed herself and continued her public greeting. The MBN reporter, notably, offered no apology on site and continued filming, further aggravating the situation.
The clip quickly spread across online platforms, prompting an avalanche of criticism. Netizens fumed:
- “Did they even receive proper training?”
- “How could anyone push the First Lady like that?”
- “That wasn’t a reporter—it was someone with zero awareness.”
- “What were the security personnel doing?”
Facing widespread backlash, MBN issued a formal apology on June 5, two days after the incident:
“During the live broadcast on the night of June 3, one of our video journalists accidentally pushed First Lady Kim Hye-kyung. We have formally apologized to the presidential office.”
MBN added that the presidential office acknowledged the situation’s urgency but urged media personnel to be more cautious moving forward. The broadcaster pledged to strengthen safety training and update close-range filming protocols to prevent similar incidents.
However, the delayed apology and lack of immediate accountability have left many unconvinced. Public calls for tougher media conduct standards and more respectful treatment of public figures continue to escalate.
