KBS Issues Official Response to Bereaved Family's Petition Over Stalker's Sister Starring in Drama

KBS has released an official response to a viewer petition filed by the bereaved family of a woman in her twenties who died after being stalked by her ex-boyfriend.

The bereaved family demanded responsible action as a public broadcaster, stating, "The perpetrator's older sister is currently appearing in a KBS daily drama."

The family expressed their grief and anger, saying, "The pain of the family who lost their beloved daughter continues, yet the perpetrator's family member is working as an actor as if nothing happened."

In response, KBS stated through the viewer petition board today, "We express our deep condolences to the deceased, and offer our sincere comfort to the bereaved family members who are in deep sorrow and pain after losing a beloved family member."

At the same time, the network gave the response that "it is not possible to take separate measures simply because someone is a family member of a cast member."

KBS stated, "When casting for programs, we verify the criminal records or controversies of the cast members themselves, but we do not conduct prior verification regarding family members, which is also realistically impossible."

Furthermore, citing the constitutional provision on the "ban on guilt by association," which dictates that individuals shall not receive unfavorable treatment due to the acts of their relatives, the network explained, "It is not possible to take disciplinary action simply on the grounds of being family."

The case in question refers to an incident in January 2024 at an officetel in Busan where a female victim fell to her death during an argument with her ex-boyfriend, who was stalking her.

The perpetrator, the ex-boyfriend, was put on trial for continuing stalking and intimidation, such as knocking on the front door and sending hundreds of messages for 13 hours after being notified of a breakup.

The male perpetrator was sentenced to 3 years and 6 months in prison in the first trial, but his sentence was reduced in the appellate trial to 3 years and 2 months in prison, citing efforts made for victim recovery.

(Reported by Lee Hyeon-yeong | Video by Kim Min-ji | Design by Lee Jeong-주 | Produced by KBS Digital News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.