MBC variety show I Live Alone is facing a growing controversy over Japan-related scenes — and viewers say the production team made it worse by quietly editing the episode instead of issuing an apology.
The disputed scenes aired on the 13th. The episode followed webtoon-artist-turned-TV personality Kian84 and singer Kangnam on a trip to Tokyo, where they explored the publishers' district to meet legendary horror manga creator Junji Ito. The pair also stopped by the major Japanese publisher Shogakukan.
Shogakukan has previously faced public outrage over allegations that it allowed a creator with a history of sexual crimes to resume activities under a new pen name. The creator, a former art teacher, was revealed to have committed crimes against a minor student, triggering a social outcry. Critics slammed the publisher for failing to properly vet the creator before bringing them back.
Another flashpoint was an anime movie poster shown during the broadcast. While highlighting Shogakukan's flagship titles, the production displayed a poster for the 17th theatrical installment of Case Closed. The film includes content produced with cooperation from Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force, and its Rising Sun Flag imagery stirred controversy — leading to no theatrical release in Korea and no licensing on local OTT platforms.
As the backlash intensified, the production has remained silent publicly. Instead, the online VOD version reportedly edited out shots of the Shogakukan building, related explanations, and the problematic poster. Viewers are criticizing the decision to quietly delete the footage without any explanation or formal apology.