'Sixth Sense' PD, filming new season amid trial over 'alleged sexual assault'... Victim's side objects to "ignoring secondary damage"

*This content was translated by AI.

As the tvN 'Sixth Sense' series begins filming a new season amid controversy over sexual harassment by production staff, the victim's side has voiced strong criticism.

Lee Eun-ui, an attorney representing victim A, issued a formal statement on the 23rd, saying, "B, the alleged perpetrator of sexual assault, forcibly assaulted victim A, who was part of the production team for last year's tvN 'Sixth Sense: City Tour 2' (hereinafter 'Sixth Sense 2'), and immediately forced her to withdraw from the program."

B, the PD of 'Sixth Sense 2' identified as the perpetrator, denies the allegations. However, attorney Lee Eun-ui emphasized, "CJ ENM determined that the act admitted by B constituted workplace sexual harassment and imposed disciplinary action, while the Prosecution Service found B's claims to be untrue and indicted him for the crime of sexual assault."

She further pointed out, "Even during this process, B did not withdraw from the program; instead, a statement claiming false accusations was released. The victim had to endure insults and pressure."

In particular, the attorney argued, "B's statement was issued without the production team's consent. No one could object to the statement released by B. CJ ENM turned a blind eye to this secondary damage."

Meanwhile, the 'Sixth Sense' series proceeded with filming for the new season at an undisclosed location in Seoul on the 23rd. The program title was changed from 'Sixth Sense: City Tour 3' to 'Sixth Sense: B-Side,' and changes were made to the broadcast time slot and some member compositions. However, the controversial director B remained on board, serving as CP to oversee the entire program. The main director role was taken over by PD Park Sang-eun, who was a co-director in the previous season.

In response, the attorney questioned, "Is it appropriate to proceed with the production of the follow-up season with the perpetrator included?" She added, "CJ ENM needs to explain what discussions were held with the cast, including Yoo Jae-suk."

She stated, "During the production of the new season, the victim was left isolated and neglected within the organization. The company failed to take responsible action. Following the sexual violence incident, the victim's career was effectively halted, and her personal relationships were severely damaged." She pointed out, "There is a gap between the values the program has promoted and reality."

Furthermore, the attorney said, "We hope that CJ ENM's goal is not merely about attractive packaging and ratings, regardless of who makes it or how it is made, and that it does not go against the human rights sensitivity that our society has struggled to foster over the years."

B, the PD of 'Sixth Sense,' is facing legal battles after being indicted for the alleged sexual assault of A. He is accused of inappropriate physical contact, such as putting his arm around junior production staff member A's shoulder and massaging the back of her neck at a company dinner in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, last August.

The second trial was held on the 26th of last month, and the next trial is scheduled for July 21.

Meanwhile, in 'Sixth Sense: B-Side,' existing MCs Yoo Jae-suk and Ko Kyung-pyo will continue to appear. Song Eun-i, who had withdrawn in the previous season, has rejoined the cast. Additionally, Mimi of Oh My Girl, who had left, was replaced by singer and actress Bibi. The broadcast schedule was moved to Thursday through Sunday evenings.

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*This content was translated by AI.