‘Ask Us Anything Fortune Teller’ producers apologize for contacting sinkhole victim’s family
KBS Joy's “Ask Us Anything Fortune Teller” producers apologize for contacting sinkhole victim’s family. Captured from the program's homepage
Producers of KBS Joy’s variety program “Ask US Anything Fortune Teller” have issued a public apology after it was revealed they attempted to recruit a family member of a sinkhole accident victim to appear on the show.
The controversy arose when the bereaved family member of a man in his 30s who died last month in a sinkhole accident in Myeongil-dong, Gangdong District, Seoul, posted a screenshot of a message from the production team on social media. The message expressed interest in discussing the individual’s recent social media post about the tragedy on the show.
The accident, which occurred on March 24, involved a massive sinkhole measuring 20 meters wide, 20 meters long and 20 meters deep. It swallowed multiple vehicles, including a motorcycle and a minivan. While the van driver sustained minor injuries, the motorcyclist was found dead at the scene.
In the message, a producer introduced themselves as part of the “Ask Us Anything Fortune Teller” team and wrote, “After seeing your recent Reels post as a bereaved family member of the sinkhole accident, I wanted to carefully ask if you might be open to receiving some counseling on our show.”
The family member responded with anger, writing, “Do you find this entertaining? Is this show material for you? This crosses a line of basic decency.”
Following growing public criticism, the production team issued a formal apology, saying, “While our program covers not only disasters but also current societal issues to foster public empathy, we sincerely apologize for the insensitivity.” They added that internal protocols for guest recruitment would be reviewed and strengthened.
“Our intent was not to sensationalize a tragedy for entertainment purposes. We once again offer our deepest condolences and apologize to the bereaved family during this time of sorrow," the producers added.
“Ask Us Anything Fortune Teller” is a talk show featuring hosts Seo Jang-hoon and Lee Soo-geun, who dress up as fortune tellers to offer humorous life advice to guests. Styled after a fortune-telling house run by elderly shamans, the show is known for its informal tone, with the hosts often using blunt or casual language to deliver comic relief.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.