Do Kyung-wan, amid 'poverty cosplay' controversy, blames himself for being dropped from TV show

Former KBS announcer and broadcaster Do Kyung-wan, already under fire for what critics have called "poverty cosplay" on a variety show, is drawing fresh attention after publicly blaming himself for being dropped from another program.

On Thursday's episode of KBS 2TV's long-running variety show "Pyeonstorang" (Convenience Store Restaurant), broadcast as part of the program's seventh-anniversary special, Do said he had been "removed from my one and only remaining regular show."

The program Do was referring to was KBS Joy's "Chart-Riding Man." Last month, Do was replaced as co-host by fellow former KBS announcer Jo Chung-hyeon.

In footage from the episode, Do appeared visibly downcast before beginning to cook. After co-host Jang Yun-jeong asked whether the show had undergone a major overhaul, Do replied, "Only I was changed. Lee Sang-min is staying on." Do then turned self-critical, saying, "I guess I just wasn't good enough."

Jang tried to console Do, telling him, "Why are you setting such a gloomy mood? You've already been cut."

Jang added, "Getting cut from a regular show and doing 'Pyeonstorang' is way better. At least here you get to eat well."

Do could not shake the lingering frustration, saying, "They could have just let me do both." Jang made another attempt at comfort: "I'm trying to console you here. Don't hold on to regrets."

Do also shared his daughter's reaction, saying she told him, "Dad, you're going to record 'Pyeonstorang' again? What if you get cut from that one too?" Jang reassured Do, saying, "It's fine — don't let it get you down."

Do then recorded a video message addressed to the head of KBS's entertainment division. "This is Do Kyung-wan. Thank you for taking me back after I handed in my resignation," Do said. "I'll give everything I have so that 'Pyeonstorang' does well and we can one day go on a reward trip to Guam." Jang promised to send Do on the trip if ratings improved.

MC Boom then revealed that the division head had responded to the video message. Boom read the reply aloud: "It's truly wonderful to see you again on 'Pyeonstorang.' If ratings go up thanks to Do Kyung-wan's efforts, I will personally send you on that reward trip. If not — you will be removed."

Meanwhile, on the Oct. 22 episode of "Pyeonstorang," Do lamented a stock market crash and revealed a bank balance of 250,000 won ($187). Do also described frugal habits at home, including having children flush the toilet only after water had accumulated and removing batteries from remote controls to save electricity.

Viewers were not impressed. Many pointed out that Do's family lives in a luxury penthouse valued at around 12 billion won and that Do has showcased a collection of high-end watches on a YouTube channel — a lifestyle seen as far removed from the financial hardship suggested on air.

The backlash prompted a viewer to file a complaint with the Korea Communications Standards Commission, requesting a review of Do's appearance on the program.

The complainant said a formal review request had been submitted asking whether the broadcast violated Article 14 (objectivity) of the broadcasting review regulations and Article 44, Paragraph 1 (public broadcaster's public responsibility) of the Broadcasting Act.

"KBS is a broadcaster funded primarily by license fees paid by the public," the complainant argued. "The core issue of the 'poverty cosplay' controversy is not whether the individual personally practices frugality, but whether the broadcast's presentation and editing led viewers to believe the person was genuinely in financial difficulty."