'Contract Marriage' Yeong-su faces backlash for filming virtual wife without consent; Ahn Jung-hwan's remarks spark controversy

Controversy has erupted following the revelation that Choi Jeong-hyeon, who appeared as Yeong-su in the 32nd season of 'I Am SOLO', installed a camera to film his daily life without the consent of his virtual wife, Jeong Min-hyeon. Despite his explanation that the action was intended to preserve memories, criticism has emerged that he disregarded the other party's privacy and the necessity of filming consent. Furthermore, remarks made by entertainer Ahn Jung-hwan while watching the situation have also become a point of contention.

In the 6th episode of the KBS Joy and MBC every1 variety show 'Contract Marriage' broadcast on the 2nd, the conflict between virtual couple Choi Jeong-hyeon and Jeong Min-hyeon was revealed. The two individuals previously appeared as Yeong-su from the 32nd season of 'I Am SOLO' and Guk-hwa from the 'I Am SOLO, Love Continues' Single Again special, respectively.

During the episode, Choi Jeong-hyeon repeatedly fiddled with a camera placed on the table. Initially, Jeong Min-hyeon, thinking it was production equipment, told him not to touch it, but as his behavior persisted, she eventually questioned the identity of the camera. Only then did Choi reveal that the camera did not belong to the production team but was his own. It was also disclosed that he had been installing the camera and filming their daily lives without prior notice to Jeong Min-hyeon.

Regarding his actions, Choi explained, "I just filmed it as a souvenir," stating his purpose was to leave memories behind. However, Jeong Min-hyeon's reaction was different. She expressed displeasure, citing the issue that she had not been asked for prior consent while being filmed. The conflict escalated into a fundamental dispute over whether he respected the other party's will and privacy, rather than being a simple matter of recording memories.

In a production interview, Jeong Min-hyeon emphasized that prior consent for filming was necessary. She maintained the position that permission should have been sought in advance since her image was being captured on video. Following this incident, she expressed doubt about whether she could continue her virtual married life with Choi Jeong-hyeon. The core of the conflict highlighted that the intention to leave memories is separate from the rights of the person being filmed.

The reactions of the MCs watching the situation in the studio also drew attention. HYOYEON and Lee Chae-young watched the situation with stern expressions and remained silent. In contrast, Ahn Jung-hwan made remarks that seemed to defend Choi Jeong-hyeon's actions. Ahn attempted to mention the positive aspects of the footage, saying, "If the video turned out pretty, then..." This comment drew controversy as it appeared to prioritize the results or intentions of the filming over the issue of the other party's consent.

This scene raised questions about whether the pretext of personal recording can lead to the right to film another person's private life. It is a situation where critics point out that even if the photographer's intention is well-meaning, the consent of the person being captured on camera must be a prerequisite. Particularly as the format of observational variety shows involves revealing the daily lives of participants, concerns have been raised regarding the need for clear standards regarding individual participants installing separate cameras to film.

'Contract Marriage' is a variety program that observes the process of men and women who wish to marry forming relationships while living as virtual couples. It is a new work by PD Nam Gyu-hong, who directed 'Partner' and 'I Am SOLO', and follows a format that shows the emotions and conflicts of men and women facing actual marriage through virtual married life. This broadcast drew viewers' attention by revealing how actions intended to build intimacy can instead shake the trust of the other party.

Read the original (Korean)