MC Ding Dong returns to broadcasting following assault controversy

South Korean entertainer MC Ding Dong has announced his return to broadcasting approximately six months after a controversy involving the physical assault of a female internet broadcaster (BJ).

On May 22, Ding Dong shared photos on social media from the recording set of the SBS Life program ‘The Trot Show,’ using the captions “Return! Come back!” to signal his return. The images show him hosting the program and interacting with fellow performers.

The controversy stems from a March incident during a live stream on the Panda TV platform. During a heated argument where the other broadcaster mentioned Ding Dong’s past drunk driving conviction, he reacted by grabbing the woman’s hair. Ding Dong later issued an apology, stating he lost control due to the trauma of his past legal issues.

Public reaction to his return has been largely critical, with many netizens questioning the brevity of his hiatus following both his previous drunk driving conviction in 2022 and the recent assault incident.