Controversy Erupts as KBS WORLD Arabic Channel Supports Presidential Candidate
As South Korea gears up for its presidential election set for June 3, 2025, tensions are rising among candidates and their supporters. A recent controversy has erupted involving the KBS WORLD Arabic official YouTube channel, which is now facing backlash for appearing to endorse candidate Kim Moon Soo from the People Power Party during a live debate.
In a surprising moment during the debate, KBS WORLD Arabic’s chat was filled with supportive comments for Kim, including one that read, “Moon Soo is doing great tonight.” This unexpected interaction has sparked outrage among viewers and critics alike, questioning the impartiality of a major public broadcaster, especially during an election season.
Candidate Kim Moon Soo | Hankyoreh
Many social media users were quick to voice their frustrations, with comments such as, “Can a KBS admin really make a mistake this stupid?” and “Is it even allowed for a public broadcasting station to support a candidate openly?” Concerns have also been raised about a potential violation of election laws, with users expressing skepticism about KBS’s intentions and accountability.
In light of the backlash, KBS quickly responded by claiming that the messages posted from their Arabic channel had originated from a hacked account.
“Regarding today’s KBS News LIVE Presidential Debate Broadcast: We would like to clarify that the messages posted in the live chat under the ‘KBS WORLD Arabic’ account were not written by an official KBS Arabic representative,” KBS stated. “It has been determined that the account was compromised, and an investigation is currently underway.”
Despite their assurances, KBS took the drastic step of removing the entire channel from the platform, which boasted over 290,000 subscribers and focused on sharing K-Pop and Korean entertainment content with international viewers.
“This channel is not available.” | @kbsworldarabic/YouTube
The decision to delete the channel has left many bewildered. “If it was hacked, why delete the whole channel and run? LMAO,” one user questioned, encapsulating the thoughts of many who find KBS’s actions puzzling. Critics argue that if the channel was indeed compromised, a thorough investigation should have been prioritized instead.
As KBS grapples with the fallout from this incident, the public remains unconvinced, continuing to demand clarity and accountability from the broadcaster. This unfolding situation has left South Koreans monitoring the election closely, amidst a backdrop of heightened political stakes and the ever-watchful eye of social media.
Stay tuned as we follow this developing story and its implications for the upcoming election.
