The Korea Herald

지나쌤

Taiwan anchorwoman replaced after parodying N.K. announcer

By Korea Herald

Published : Dec. 21, 2011 - 15:40

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Liang Fang-yu, host of a Taiwanese evening news program, N.K. announcer Ri Chun-hee on Monday. (Screen capture) Liang Fang-yu, host of a Taiwanese evening news program, N.K. announcer Ri Chun-hee on Monday. (Screen capture)
The Taiwanese anchor woman who created controversy by parodying North Korean announcer Ri Chun-hee has been replaced, announced the China Television System on Wednesday.

Liang Fang-yu, host of CTS’ evening news program, delivered election information on Monday imitating Ri’s hair style, fashion and voice as was seen on the N.K. broadcaster on Monday when Ri announced the death of Kim Jong-il. Introduced as “Liang Chun-hee,” Liang appeared wearing a hanbok, or Korean traditional costume, and mimicked Ri’s tearful voice and exaggerated gestures.

Internet users in Taiwan immediately criticized her for mocking the death of a leader in North Korea and rebuked the quality of the public broadcaster.

CTS released an apology and transferred Liang and the show’s producer to another department. A spokesman of the National Communications Commission also said that Liang’s actions were “extremely awful and inappropriate.”

CTS’ news program has been in hot water for parodying many figures, including farmers, singers and election candidates.

By Park Min-young (claire@heraldcorp.com)