Police requested narcotic inspections on two members of the funk group RUX who exposed themselves while performing live for MBC`s Music Camp on Saturday.
Police booked the two on a charge of obscene performance and ran check-ups to see if they`re possible drug users. And the police will send them to The National Institute of Scientific Investigation for the close examination today.
South Korea`s leading television network MBC decided to suspend its show from the coming Saturday after having an emergency meeting by the committee under the presidency of MBC`s CEO yesterday. Also the staffers of the show production will be remitted to the personnel committee.
The independent funk group RUX has five male members and Saturday was their first time to be aired on television. MBC`s Music Camp has run a program that introduces an independent music group every week. RUX was its eighth group.
The dancers aged 27 and 20 were performing live for MBC`s Music Camp when they exposed themselves. Their full names were withheld.
"After receiving a report about the alleged exposure, the dancers were booked on charges of carrying out an obscene performance," a police officer said.
The two suspects will be brought to justice if it is proven that they intentionally exposed themselves, he said.
Wearing masks, the two suddenly dropped their pants around 4:15 p.m. and began to dance, and the scene was broadcast for about four seconds.
It is the first time in South Korea that live performers have exposed themselves.
The scene shocked viewers, who flooded the station`s Web site and Internet portals with complaints.
MBC, a major TV network, instantly issue an apology. "We are sorry for causing a stir with the unexpected accident that occurred during a live program."
In 1997, a local rock group was slapped with a one-year suspension from making TV appearances for spitting at cameras and making indecent gestures during a live program.
The Korean Broadcasting Commission, the nation`s broadcasting regulator, said it was considering meting out heavy punishments against MBC.
"The unthinkable has happened," said Kim Chang-keun, a KBC official. "We are reviewing a heavy disciplinary action against the station."
A KBC committee will meet on Aug. 1 ahead of schedule to discuss the issue, Kim said, adding that disciplinary measures may include a ban on the music program. Two male dancers of a funk group were arrested Saturday for exposing themselves during a live TV music program and were under investigation, police said.
(aibang@heraldcorp.com)


By Annie I. Bang and Yonhap