KBS Faces Backlash for Airing Japanese Anthem on Korea’s Independence Day*
Liberation Day holds profound significance for the people of South Korea On August 15th, marking the 79th anniversary of Korea's Liberation Day, KBS aired the opera "Madame Butterfly," which includes Japan's national anthem, "Kimigayo," as its first broadcast of the day. This decision has sparked intense criticism from viewers, who have expressed their outrage on the KBS viewer forums and petition boards. Liberation Day holds profound significance for the people of South Korea. It commemorates the day the country regained its independence after years of Japanese colonial rule. However, the choice of KBS to air "Madame Butterfly" as its first program on Liberation Day in 2024 shocked many viewers. Starting at midnight on Liberation Day, KBS1 broadcasted a recording of the opera "Madame Butterfly" from the Korea Opera Festival at the Seoul Arts Center. Composed by Giacomo Puccini, this opera is set in Japan and features "Kimigayo,...