KBS (Korea Broadcasting System), the national public broadcaster of South Korea, is currently facing intense backlash for its programming choices on Korea’s National Liberation Day, which is celebrated on August 15 each year. The controversy began when KBS1 aired an opera special of Giacomo Puccini’s ‚Madame Butterfly‘ at the stroke of midnight on August 15 KST. The opera, set in Japan in the early 1900s, tells the story of a Japanese woman who marries an American naval officer, only to be abandoned by him soon afterward. During a key scene, the opera briefly includes the „Kimigayo“, the national anthem of Japan.
The airing of ‚Madame Butterfly‘ on National Liberation Day sparked outrage among Korean netizens, who accused KBS of being „pro-Japanese“ and „anti-nationalist“. Many viewers took to KBS’s online community board to express their anger, with comments condemning the channel’s choice of content and labeling it as a betrayal of Korean national identity. The backlash was so severe that some viewers vowed to boycott KBS channels and urged others to do the same.
The criticism against KBS did not end with ‚Madame Butterfly‘. On the same day, a weather report aired on the channel showed the national flag of South Korea flipped sideways, further fueling accusations of disrespect towards Korean national symbols. Additionally, the broadcasting schedule for August 15 KST included the airing of the documentary ‚The Origin of Miracles‘, which focuses on South Korea’s first president, Syngman Rhee. The documentary has been criticized for „romanticizing“ Rhee, whose presidency was marked by authoritarianism.
In response to the controversy, Korean viewers have launched petitions against KBS for its programming choices on National Liberation Day. Over 10,000 signatures have been collected, reflecting the widespread discontent among the public. The backlash against KBS highlights the sensitivity of historical and nationalistic issues in South Korea, where the legacy of Japanese colonization continues to be a contentious topic.
The controversy surrounding KBS’s programming choices on National Liberation Day serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural sensitivity and national identity in media content. As a public broadcaster, KBS plays a significant role in shaping public discourse and perceptions, making it crucial for the channel to consider the historical and cultural implications of its programming decisions. The backlash against KBS underscores the deep-seated emotions and sensitivities surrounding issues of national identity and historical memory in South Korea.