KBS has officially responded to a petition asking for a ban on IZ*ONE on “Music Bank.”

After IZ*ONE debuted in October, they were scheduled to promote on various music shows. Then a petition was created online asking for a ban to be placed on the girl group from appearing on KBS’s “Music Bank.”

The creator of the petition brought up how IZ*ONE was created through a collaboration between Mnet and AKB48, and claimed that the group supported the Japanese right-wing movement.

On November 23, “Music Bank” staff formally responded to the ban titled, “We request a ban on the appearance of group IZ*ONE which was produced by a right-wing producer and has right-wing members,” via the Viewers’ Rights and Interests Center which had garnered 12,000 signatures.

The statement is as follows:

“Hello. This is the staff of KBS’s ‘Music Bank.’

“First, we respectfully thank the viewers for showing deep interest and love for our ‘Music Bank.’

“We will respond to the petition about the issue involving group IZ*ONE and their TV appearance.

“KBS has its own review board that oversees things such as broadcast content, regulation of performers, and review of songs on air. In the case of a person who has caused social controversy, the panel designates this person to the broadcasting regulators through a meeting where it’s decided if their appearance is suspended.

“In the case for group IZ*ONE, there was no guidance on casting or regulation through the review board. As for their songs, all of their songs besides ‘You’re in Love, Right?’ (IZ*ONE ver.) which is written entirely in Japanese, have passed and have been deemed appropriate for broadcast.

“None of the performers on ‘Music Bank,’ including the group in question, are included on the ‘List of Restricted Broadcasters’ created by the review board. Also, we think it’s inappropriate for the program’s staff to arbitrarily judge and restrict a guest’s appearance without clear regulatory grounds and guidelines for the song and guest.

“In the case that there’s clear reason for a future regulation (such as definite evidence of right-wing promotions going against the Korean people’s sentiments), then the staff will faithfully follow suit.

“KBS’s ‘Music Bank’ complies with the regulations of the Korea Communications Commission and the review board.

“Thank you again your interest, support, and criticism for ‘Music Bank.’

Responder: TVProduction10 Department Head Choi Jae Hyung”

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