KBS released an update regarding the suspension of "The King of Tears, Lee Bang Won" after being criticized for animal cruelty issues.
According to various media outlets, the broadcast of the historical Kdrama will be put on hold for another week.
'The King of Tears, Lee Bang Won' Suspended for Three Consecutive Weeks
KBS announced that they will halt the airing of the weekend series from February 5 to 6, making it three straight weeks since the broadcast network officially issued the temporary suspension of "The King of Tears, Lee Bang Won."
To recall, the network announced on January 21 that the weekend Kdrama would be taking a break from broadcasts starting January 22 to 23 and January 29 to 30.
This is despite the apology released by KBS following the criticism involving the historical Kdrama.
What We Know about the 'The King of Tears, Lee Bang Won' Controversy?
The issue started after airing "The King of Tears, Lee Bang Won" episode 7 featuring Joseon's founder Lee Seong Gye, portrayed by Kim Yeong Cheol, accidentally falling from the horse.
However, based on the behind-the-scenes, the horse was purposely tied up, causing the animal to head dive and dramatically fall.
Due to this, viewers and various organizations like the Korean Animal Welfare Association (KAWA) raised their concerns regarding alleged animal abuse on the set.
IN CASE YOU MISSED: KBS Reportedly Halts Filming of 'The King of Tears, Lee Bang Won' Following the Animal Abuse Controversy
At the height of the controversy, KAWA requested KBS to address the incident's issue.
Moreover, the animal organization pointed out that networks should have "new established guidelines on animal welfare" and highlighted that production crews should have an "animal filming ethics committee to be organized that includes experts, such as animal organizations, versed in animal welfare and safety."
After KBS and "The King of Tears, Lee Bang Won" faced a wave of criticism, the broadcast network released a public apology, stating that they " take grave responsibility" for the incident.
"We cannot help but take serious responsibility for this unfortunate incident that has occurred. We apologize to the viewers for not preventing this accident and causing such an unfortunate event," the statement reads.
As for the animal's status, KBS regrets to inform that the horse's condition weakened and died a week after the filming.
Unfortunately, this made the public more furious and demanded the cancellation of the historical Kdrama.
A petition which garnered thousands of signatures also reached the Blue House, seeking to abolish "The King of Tears, Lee Bang Won" due to animal cruelty.
Yoo Yeon Seok and Other Celebrities Criticized 'The King of Tears, Lee Bang Won'
The 37-year-old actor, best known for his role as Dr. Ahn Jung Won in "Hospital Playlist," expressed his dismay for the incident.
Yoo Yeon Seok, who is also an animal lover, took to Instagram and noted that everyone's safety must be guaranteed.
In addition, BH Entertainment CEO Son Seok Woo says that being in the same industry, he feels "ashamed" of how the production crew treated the animal.
KBS is yet to announce if they will permanently halt "The King of Tears, Lee Bang Won" broadcast or not.
