Popular Radio Show Hit with Legal Sanctions Over Profanity Controversy Involving Star Host
The Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC) has issued a legal sanction against MBC Radio’s “Two O’Clock Date with Ahn Young-mi“ following backlash over the host’s use of profanity during a live broadcast.
Ahn Young-mi’s Profanity Controversy
At a plenary session held on March 31, the KCSC imposed an official “Warning”, a statutory penalty under Article 51 (Broadcast Language) of the Broadcasting Deliberation Regulations, for the episode aired on October 29, 2024. Among KCSC’s sanctions, a “Warning” is a serious measure that can negatively affect a broadcaster’s license renewal process.
The controversy began during an interview with THE BOYZ member Sunwoo. Host Ahn Young-mi asked, “When you get requests for impersonations, how do you handle it?” When Sunwoo replied, “I do them all,” Ahn responded, “And then you turn around and say, ‘F—’?” She later added, “You keep saying ‘shoes, shoes’?”
MBC’s Response & Ahn Young-mi’s Apology
During the hearing, Nam Tae-jeong, head of MBC Radio Division 2, acknowledged the issue, saying, “Though spontaneous, both the production team and host deeply regret the incident. We’re implementing stricter checks to prevent recurrence.” He attributed Ahn’s behavior in part to exhaustion from filming “SNL Korea,” a 19+ rated show.
However, KCSC officials were not convinced by MBC’s explanation. Chairman Ryu Hee-rim criticized the station, stating, “The production team heard the profanity live but failed to apologize during the broadcast. A belated apology the next day without an official statement was insufficient.”
Commissioner Kim Jeong-soo added further criticism, referencing a previous case, “In 2023, home shopping host Jung Yun-jeong received a two-year suspension for on-air profanity. MBC’s response this time was lenient.”
Ahn Young-mi addressed the issue on the following day’s broadcast (October 30), offering a public apology, “I apologize for using inappropriate language yesterday. As this time slot’s DJ, I’ll ensure proper broadcast terms are used.” She added a reflective message for her listeners, “Only hearing praise turns you into the ‘naked emperor.’ Harsh truths matter, but balance them with sweetness. This show welcomes even mockery; consider it a sanctuary for roasts.”
The incident has reignited discussions about accountability and language standards in live broadcasting, as well as the role of production teams in preventing such slip-ups.