Fans of BLACKPINK’s Jennie and NCT’s Jaehyun will not be hearing their latest tracks on KBS, as the South Korean broadcasting network has ruled both songs unfit for airing due to brand name references.
On October 23rd, KBS released the results of its music review, disqualifying Jennie’s “Mantra” and Jaehyun’s “Unconditional” from broadcast. The network cited Article 46 of the Broadcasting Review Regulations, which prohibits indirect advertising or promotional content in music.
Jennie’s “Mantra” was flagged for mentioning brands like Defender vehicles and In-N-Out Burger, with lyrics such as, “We had to do a In-N-Out drive-by. “Similarly, Jaehyun’s “Unconditional” contained lyrical content that also violated these guidelines.
Songs that are disqualified from broadcast can still be reconsidered if the lyrics are revised to remove the advertising references. Once re-evaluated, they may be approved for airing.
Despite the broadcast ban, Jennie’s “Mantra,” which encourages listeners to embrace their unique shine, has been performing well on international charts, including Billboard and Spotify. Meanwhile, Jaehyun’s “Unconditional,” an R&B pop track infused with a funky rhythm and soulful choir sound, is set for release on October 24th.
This decision highlights the delicate balance artists must strike between creative expression and the broadcasting regulations in South Korea. Fans remain hopeful that the songs will return to the airwaves following any necessary revisions.
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