[Captured from KBS Joy·MBC Every1 'Contract Marriage']
[Captured from KBS Joy·MBC Every1 'Contract Marriage']

Choi Jung-hyun, a cast member on the reality program "Contract Marriage" known by the participant name Yeongsu of the 32nd cohort, has apologized for filming his virtual wife without her consent using a personal camera during their shared newlywed lifestyle.

Choi posted an apology on his Instagram story Tuesday, writing, "First, I sincerely apologize to Jeong Min-hyeon (Gukwha)." He said he had acknowledged his wrongdoing and apologized at the time of filming, and again expressed remorse. "Even if my intentions were not malicious, it is inexcusable that I failed to do the obvious — ask for the other person's consent before filming in a shared living space. That is entirely my fault," he said.

Choi said the camera had been placed in the shared living room, and that his intention was to capture everyday moments not caught by the production crew's cameras and compile them into a commemorative video to give as a surprise gift after filming ended. "But regardless of my intentions, I failed to fully consider that having one's daily life recorded without their knowledge could itself be uncomfortable and hurtful," he said.

He added, "Facing the criticism I have received, I am once again reminded of how shortsighted I was. Going forward, I will make sure to ask for and respect the other person's wishes in any relationship." He again apologized directly to Jeong, and also expressed regret to viewers who felt uncomfortable watching the episode.

The incident came to light during the Monday broadcast of "Contract Marriage" on KBS Joy and MBC Every1, when it was revealed that Choi had set up a personal camera without prior consent and filmed for two days. The unauthorized filming drew controversy, as recording someone without their agreement can constitute a violation of portrait rights and privacy.

Jeong had initially assumed Choi was touching the production crew's camera and tried to stop him. When the unusual behavior continued, Jeong asked for an explanation, and Choi replied, "This is mine. I filmed a few things because I wanted to keep them for myself." He added, "You're not upset that I filmed without asking first, are you? I just wanted something to remember this by."

When Jeong expressed discomfort, Choi responded, "I really did it without thinking — I just wanted to try it. I'll delete it if you want. You're being quite sensitive."

Jeong said, "Since it's footage of me, I think you should have told me and gotten my agreement before setting it up," and admitted to having wondered, "Can I really live with someone like this?" Choi ultimately deleted all the footage, and Jeong received the memory chip back.

Viewer criticism extended to the production crew and the studio cast as well. Both the cast's casual reaction to what amounted to the installation of an unauthorized recording device and the production team's handling of the incident as a minor mishap drew fire.

Meanwhile, "Contract Marriage" is a marriage simulation observational variety show created by PD Nam Gyu-hong, known for "I Am Solo," in which men and women who wish to marry enter into a contract and live together as a virtual couple. Choi and Jeong have appeared as a virtual couple since September.


min3654@heraldcorp.com