When K-pop idols get embroiled in major controversies, the usual result is that they are forced to go into hiatus. However, there are also times when artists get banned from certain broadcasting networks, such as KBS or MBC. Below are just a few idols who experienced this.
5 K-pop Idols Who Were Banned From Appearing on KBS or MBC Due to Scandals
2PM Jun.K
Back in 2018, 2PM Jun.K was temporarily suspended from appearing on TV for drunk driving. He was caught driving under the influence of alcohol on Feb. 10 around 7 a.m. KST. His driver's license was also suspended at that time.
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The broadcast ban for Jun. K was then lifted in May 2021 and he resumed his activities on KBS programs in light of 2PM's comeback. The group guested in KBS Cool FM's "DAY6's Kiss the Radio" in July.
Former HOT Tony Ahn
Tony Ahn was accused of illegal online sports gambling in 2013, alongside Tak Jae Hoon and Lee Soo Geun. The allegations were proven true, and so the H.O.T member was sentenced with one-year probation.
Due to this incident, KBS and MBC banned Tony Ahn from appearing on their stations. KBS even banned all H.O.T songs from their broadcasts. The ban for the male idol was lifted three years later.
SHINHWA Andy
Another K-pop idol who was banned from appearing on MBC is SHINHWA Andy, whose case is similar to H.O.T Tony as it also involves illegal gambling. Andy was indicted with illegally gambling on soccer matches, which led him to halt all of his activities.
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Upon learning about this, MBC banned Andy from appearing on their network. The ban lasted for around one year, as it was lifted in 2015.
Former JYJ Park Yoochun
Park Yoochun was caught up in a drug scandal in 2019. He was accused of drug use, but he denied all the claims. However, he tested positive for a drug test, which urged him to eventually admit to the drug charges. He was soon sentenced to two years of probation with 10 months of imprisonment if he breaks any laws within the period. He also had to undergo protective supervision and drug treatment and pay a fine of 1.4 million won.
His drug scandal led him to be banned from appearing on all MBC content. It was also around that time when C-JeS Entertainment terminated its contract with Park Yoochun due to his controversy.
Former FT Island Choi Jonghoon
Former F.T. Island member Choi Johnghoon also joins our list of K-pop idols who were banned from appearing on KBS or MBC. He was named to be one of the members of a group chat with Jung Joon Young, where they would share explicit videos. He was later found guilty of sexual assualt, illegal production, and distribution of pornographic videos without the consent of the women involved.
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Choi Jonghoon was not only banned from KBS and MBC but from all broadcasting networks. He also received a sentence of two years and six months in prison.
Do you know other K-pop idols who were banned from appearing on KBS or MBC or other broadcasting networks due to their scandals?
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Written by Maria Scott
