On July 30, 2005, an episode of Live Music Camp featured the segment Is This Song Good?, showcasing indie bands in a rare chance to appear on national TV. Leading the performance was the punk band RUX, joined onstage by nearly 20 members from the punk community to support the act.
However, the live broadcast took a shocking turn. Members from the bands Couch and Spiky Brats suddenly pulled down their pants, exposing their lower bodies on live national television. Although the cameras quickly panned away, the explicit footage remained on air for 6 to 7 seconds. Hosts MC Mong and Shinji immediately issued a solemn on-air apology.
Police were promptly dispatched after receiving reports from viewers. RUX’s leader Won Jong-hee and the two individuals responsible were taken into custody. All three bands involved RUX, Couch, and Spiky Brats were blacklisted by Korea’s three major broadcasting stations. The incident led to severe disciplinary actions for the Music Camp production team, ultimately resulting in the show’s cancellation.
In a 2023 YouTube video, former PD Kwon Jae-young reflected on the events, revealing that his now-wife was a writer for the program at the time. He recalled how the crew pulled the performers off the stage and reported them to police. Everyone involved, including staff members, were taken in for questioning. The culprits were also tested for drugs but showed negative results—making the fact that the act was done sober even more shocking.
Kwon Jae-young noted, “The incident severely damaged public perception of the Hongdae indie scene, setting it back by at least a decade. It also created a cultural vacuum that allowed hip-hop to rise to mainstream popularity.”
The perpetrators spent about three months in detention and were later sentenced to 10 and 8 months in prison respectively, both with two years of probation.
Following this scandal, Korean music shows began implementing delay broadcasts ranging from 5 seconds to even 5 minutes. Control rooms were also equipped with backup footage to prevent similar incidents.
In 2024, RUX leader Won Jong-hee issued another public apology via his YouTube channel, “On July 30, 2005, a genital exposure incident occurred during the live broadcast of MBC’s Music Camp. I once again sincerely apologize for causing such a disturbance to society.”
He added, “I will continue to live with remorse for the rest of my life. Though I’ve apologized many times over the years in various settings, I offer this heartfelt apology again through my own platform.”
Spiky Brats still seems to be active, having performed at several festivals in 2025, although Oh Chang-rae does not appear to be part of the current lineup.
Nate
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