KBS rejects petition to remove actress linked to stalking case perpetrator

KBS has officially responded to a viewer petition requesting the removal of an actress from a daily drama. The actress is reportedly the sister of a perpetrator involved in a high-profile stalking and death case in Busan in January 2024.

The victim, a woman in her 20s, died after falling from an officetel following intense stalking by her ex-boyfriend. The perpetrator was sentenced to 3 years and 2 months in prison for his crimes. The victim's family expressed deep distress, stating that seeing the perpetrator's sister appearing in a prominent role on public television is a source of immense pain and a sense of injustice.

In its response, KBS expressed condolences to the bereaved family but stated that it is not possible to remove the actress. The broadcaster explained that while it verifies the criminal records and social conduct of performers themselves during casting, it does not and cannot perform prior verification on the family members of performers. KBS further noted that taking action against an individual based solely on the actions of a relative would contravene Article 13, Paragraph 3 of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea, which protects citizens from being disadvantaged by the acts of their kin.