South Korean MC Dingdong criticised after livestream assault, warns of legal action over “distorted” claims
South Korean television personality MC Dingdong has been criticised online after allegedly assaulting a female livestreamer during a broadcast. The incident aired live and later circulated widely on social media. Dingdong apologised but warned he may pursue legal action over what he says are distorted claims.
- MC Dingdong allegedly grabbed a female livestreamer by the hair during a live broadcast after she referenced his past drunk-driving case
- The streamer filed an assault complaint and said she is receiving treatment for PTSD and panic symptoms
- Dingdong apologised but later warned he may pursue legal action over allegedly distorted online claims
SOUTH KOREA: South Korean television personality MC Dingdong has come under online criticism after allegedly assaulting a female livestreamer during a broadcast that aired live to viewers.
The incident occurred during an online programme where livestreamers compete for viewer donations.
Video clips of the confrontation circulated widely on social media following the broadcast.
According to SBS Star, the female streamer later filed a police complaint for assault.
Dingdong has since apologised for the incident but warned he may pursue legal action against individuals spreading what he described as distorted information.
Incident unfolds during livestream
The confrontation occurred during a livestream format known as an “Excel broadcast”, where content creators compete for viewer donations displayed in a spreadsheet-style ranking on screen.
Participants typically perform viewer-requested tasks while competing for higher donation rankings.
During one segment, a female livestreamer carried out a mission requested by viewers by performing a rap.
According to Chosun Biz, the rap referenced Dingdong’s previous drunk-driving case.
The host became visibly angry during the broadcast.
Footage from the livestream showed Dingdong grabbing the woman by the hair for several seconds before leaving the scene.
The incident was broadcast live online and clips quickly circulated across social media platforms.
On-air apology
Dingdong later returned to the livestream and apologised to viewers and the streamer.
“I apologise for showing unprofessional behaviour,” he said during the broadcast, according to SBS Star.
“I can accept insults directed at me, but when I heard the incident from two years ago mentioned, it triggered psychological trauma and I lost control,” he added.
He also said he had struggled to find work following his earlier scandal.
“I had no work for a year and a half and was trying to show everyone that I am living diligently again,” he said.
Streamer files assault complaint
The female livestreamer later said she had filed a complaint against Dingdong for assault.
She wrote in an online community post that she is receiving psychiatric treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and panic symptoms following the incident.
Medical examinations reportedly found she had sustained injuries requiring approximately two weeks of recovery.
She also said Dingdong had offered a settlement of 10 million won (about US$6,700), which she declined.
Legal statement issued online
Days after the incident video spread online, Dingdong issued a statement on Instagram addressing the situation.
He said parts of the footage circulating online differed from the facts or had been exaggerated based on selected scenes.
According to the statement, he has begun pursuing legal measures through his representatives.
He said civil and criminal action may be taken against individuals who distribute unverified information, malicious claims or unedited images of the incident.
“As this matter is currently under investigation and legal procedures are in progress, the spread of unverified speculation or one-sided claims could cause additional harm,” he wrote.
He added that the full details would be clarified through legal proceedings.
Past conviction and career impact
Dingdong, whose real name is Huh Yong-woon, previously faced legal consequences in 2022 over a drunk-driving case in Seoul.
According to reports, he was arrested after driving while heavily intoxicated, refusing a breathalyser test and fleeing the scene.
During the incident, his vehicle reportedly collided with a police car while he attempted to escape.
He was prosecuted for drunk driving and obstruction of official duties causing injury.
The court later sentenced him to 18 months in prison with a two-year probation period.
Career and television work
Dingdong is a ninth-generation comedian associated with the South Korean broadcaster Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS).
He previously gained recognition as a prolific event host and supporting MC for entertainment programmes.
Following the 2022 scandal, he stepped down from supporting MC roles on Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) programmes including Immortal Songs and You Hee Yeol’s Sketchbook.
Authorities have not publicly announced further developments regarding the assault complaint.
