"Banned from appearing because she is the perpetrator’s sister in the ‘Busan Fall Death’ case? Impossible"... KBS cites prohibition on guilt by association

[Financial News] In response to the bereaved family of a woman in her 20s who died after falling from a Busan officetel following a stalking ordeal, and who demanded an official position on an actress—the perpetrator’s older sister—appearing on television, the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) stated that it could not remove her from the program, citing the constitutional prohibition on guilt by association.
According to the KBS viewer petition board on the 16th, KBS said in a response posted that day, "We express our deepest condolences to the deceased and sincerely extend our sympathy to the bereaved family, who are experiencing profound grief and pain after losing a beloved family member."
Regarding its screening of cast members, KBS explained, "When casting for a program, we verify whether the performer has a criminal record or has been involved in a social controversy," but added, "We do not conduct advance screening of performers’ family members, nor can we realistically do so." It continued, "Therefore, we would like to clarify that the organization could not have confirmed this matter in advance."
Regarding the demand for her removal, KBS cited Article 13(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea, which states, 'No citizen shall suffer unfavorable treatment on account of an act of a relative other than his or her own act,' and said, "We believe that taking separate action solely because someone is a member of the family is also not permissible."
Earlier, on the 3rd, the bereaved family posted a petition titled 'We are the bereaved family of the Busan officetel fall death' on the board, calling for the broadcaster to state its position. The family said that the perpetrator, identified as A, had an older sister appearing in a prominent role in a KBS daily drama.
The bereaved family appealed, "Our family’s daughter died unjustly, while the perpetrator’s family’s daughter is thriving as an actress," adding, "How can the world be so unfair?" They continued, "We ask KBS: Please state whether you knew about these facts," and requested, "As a public broadcaster, we ask you to take responsible action."
The incident at the center of the controversy occurred in January 2024 at dawn on the ninth floor of an officetel in Busan. The woman in her 20s fell to her death while arguing with her former boyfriend, identified as A.
A police investigation found that A had repeatedly stalked and assaulted the victim after she asked to end their relationship, and had subjected her to physical and psychological threats, including banging on her front door for 17 hours. A was indicted on charges including stalking, intimidation, and refusing to leave.
The bereaved family argued that A should also face a charge of assisting suicide, pointing out that the victim held onto the window frame and resisted until the end when she fell. However, the court reportedly did not accept the argument. In the first and second trials, the court sentenced A to three years and six months in prison and three years and two months in prison, respectively.
※ If you are experiencing depression or other difficult concerns that are hard to discuss, or if you know a family member or acquaintance facing such difficulties, you can receive counseling from a professional 24 hours a day by calling the Suicide Prevention Hotline 109.[email protected] Seong Min-seo Reporter