Park Na-rae speaks to reporters at MBC headquarters in Seoul, Sept. 22. Korea Times photo by Kang Ye-jin
Multiple variety shows have been put in a difficult position as their key cast member, comedian Park Nae-rae, becomes embroiled in allegations of workplace harassment.
On Friday, MBC reportedly canceled filming of the upcoming travel reality show “Nado Sinna,” which means “I Am Excited Too,” after the allegations were raised the previous day, according to sources.
She is accused by her former managers of committing workplace harassment against her staff, including verbal abuse and assault, as well as demanding they perform tasks unrelated to her official schedule.
While the exact cause of the cancellation remains unknown, there is speculation that it may be related to the allegations.
Park debuted as a comedian in 2006 and has since risen to become a household name in the country’s entertainment industry. She won the Grand Prize at the 2019 MBC Entertainment Awards and the Best Female Variety Performer from the 2020 Baeksang Arts Awards.
She currently makes regular appearances on MBC’s long-running popular show “I Live Alone” and “Where is My Home,” as well as tvN’s “Amazing Saturday.” She is also scheduled to appear on several new programs.
The production team of “I Live Alone,” set to air later in the day, has not announced any changes to the broadcast schedule, while tvN said there will be no changes to “Amazing Saturday,” scheduled to air the next day.
On Thursday, she said she was “in discussions” with a law firm regarding the matter.