Jun Hyun-moo, a popular television personality in South Korea, has publicly apologized for using the term 'knife stabbing' during a variety show segment that referenced a deceased police officer. This incident occurred on the Disney+ program 'Fate War 49', where participants were tasked with guessing the circumstances of a police officer's death based on clues provided. The comment was made by a guest who linked the term 'knife stabbing' to the tragic demise of Officer Lee Jae-hyun, who lost his life in 2004 while apprehending a suspect. Jun's remark, which many considered insensitive, drew immediate backlash from the public and the police community.

In his apology, released by his agency SM C&C on the 23rd, Jun expressed deep regret for the hurt caused to the officer's family and emphasized the importance of being more careful and respectful in conversations surrounding such serious topics. The backlash was significant enough to prompt the National Police Employees Union to call for an official apology and the removal of the episode containing the offending comments. They condemned the use of derogatory language in referring to a police officer's sacrifice, highlighting the potential implications of trivializing the serious nature of public service and the sacrifices made by police officers.

Jun Hyun-moo’s comments have ignited a broader discussion regarding the responsibility of media personalities in how they speak about individuals who have died in the line of duty. It raises critical questions about respect and sensitivity in entertainment when discussing tragic events. The incident serves as a reminder of the repercussions that can arise from careless words in public forums, especially involving sensitive topics such as loss and sacrifice in law enforcement.