KBS Staff Sentenced Over Horse's Death After Cruel Stunt During K-Drama Shooting

Earlier today, the Seoul Southern District Court imposed fines totaling ₩30.0 million KRW (about $ 22,400 USD) on a KBS TV producer, two staff members, and the broadcaster itself for animal abuse leading to the death of a horse during the filming of a drama series in 2021.

The tragic incident occurred on November 2, 2021, during the production of the historical drama The King of Tears, Lee Bangwon. According to court documents, the production crew was accused of tying the horse’s forelegs and forcing it to sprint, resulting in the animal falling face-first.

This cruel act led to severe injuries, and without being given the appropriate care, the horse succumbed to its injuries five days later.

The court’s decision comes after intense scrutiny and public outrage over the treatment of the horse. The judges highlighted the severity of the crime, emphasizing the pain and suffering endured by the animal and the subsequent societal impact after the episode was broadcast.

The court underscored that alternative, humane methods were available — such as using stunt performers or computer-generated imagery. However, these were disregarded by the crew, citing reasons such as cost and desire for realism.

Each individual — the TV producer and two staff members — was fined ₩10.0 million KRW (about $ 7,470 USD), while KBS was held accountable with a ₩5.00 million KRW (about $ 3,730 USD) fine. The sentencing reflects a growing awareness and intolerance towards animal cruelty in entertainment productions, setting a precedent for future film and television practices in South Korea.

Interestingly, the court also acknowledged the customary methods of filming employed at the time and noted that KBS had established new guidelines post-incident to prevent such occurrences in the future.

The incident and subsequent ruling are expected to lead to stricter guidelines and oversight in the South Korean film and television industry, ensuring the safety and humane treatment of animals in all future productions.

Source: Yonhap News Agency