SEOUL, Sept 9 — A YouTube episode featuring Miyeon of girl group (G)I‑dle undergoing a medical checkup has prompted questions over whether the footage violates Korea’s medical advertising rules, leading the show’s producers to publicly deny any promotional intent.
According to the Hankook Ilbo, the wellness program Jeondosa released an episode on Sept. 1 documenting Miyeon receiving her first gastroscopy. After broadcast, a viewer lodged a complaint, arguing that the visible clinic name could constitute illegal medical advertising under the Medical Service Act.
In a statement yesterday, the production team said the episode was meant to share “stories about health, beauty and wellness,” stressing that Miyeon’s checkup was a genuine personal appointment, not a sponsored segment. The team said it received no request from the clinic to advertise or promote its services and no financial compensation, including production support, advertising fees or sponsorship.
Producers added that they personally paid for Miyeon’s checkup and medical costs and had “no intention to promote any specific medical facility or personnel.” After concerns were raised, scenes showing the clinic’s name were blurred during re‑editing.
The team said it would strengthen internal review procedures across planning, production and pre‑release screening to prevent similar disputes.
The controversy highlights the strict boundaries set by Korean law, which requires medical advertising to follow regulated standards and prohibits promotional content disguised as entertainment or personal documentation.
