South Korea’s Ministry of Employment and Labor has decided to investigate the bungee jump company at the center of the safety scandal that engulfed MBC’s “I Live Alone” after comedian Goo Sung-hwan’s jump aired.
The ministry’s Gangwon branch said it has accepted a public complaint about the company as a formal case and will assign a labor inspector to determine whether it violated its safety duties under the Industrial Safety and Health Act. In its official reply through the national petition portal, the office said that “upon review, the complaint has been accepted as a reported case, and an investigation will proceed after a labor inspector is assigned.”
The case stems from the October 16 broadcast, when viewers noticed that the on-site staff member assisting Goo’s bungee jump appeared on the platform without a helmet, safety belt, or other fall-protection gear, while Goo himself jumped fully harnessed. KpopFizz reported the initial backlash on October 17 after a netizen raised the issue on social media. A formal safety petition was then filed through the national petition portal on October 19.
Under Article 38(3)(1) of the Industrial Safety and Health Act, employers must take necessary measures to prevent industrial accidents where workers face a risk of falling. If violations are confirmed, the company could face punishment under the law, according to MyDaily.
The report also notes “I Live Alone” has weathered a string of recent controversies, including questions over production surrounding a Kim Min episode. No response from the company was reported as of publication.
