On October 22, it was confirmed through a broadcast audit report that KBS ruled both If you want and another track “Beautiful” from Wonho’s album as inappropriate for airplay, citing the same reason: lyrics that were “excessively sexual content.“
If you wantwhich will be released on October 31st, is the title track of Syndromean album that marks Wonho’s first full studio project since debuting as a solo artist five years and two months ago. Notably, Wonho personally took part in the composition and arrangement of the title track, making the ban a particular blow to both fans and the artist.
The album contains 10 tracks, including “If you want”, “Fun”, “DND”, “Scissors”, “At The Time”, “Beautiful”, “On Top of the World”, “Maniac”, “Better Than Me” and “Good Liar”. If you want and “Beautiful” were banned, the remaining eight songs have passed KBS broadcast standards and are cleared for television and radio play.
According to KBS guidelines, songs deemed unsuitable may be resubmitted for review if the problematic portions are edited, removed or rewritten. Only songs that pass the review can be broadcast on KBS platforms, including its television and radio programs.
Wonho wasn’t the only artist affected. Fellow idol Kino also featured several tracks from his second EP EVERYONE IS GUILTY, BUT NO ONE IS TO BLAME prohibited. Songs like “CLUB SEX CIGARETTES” and “MAPSI” were disqualified for similar reasons – “overly suggestive lyrics” – and their clean versions were also rejected. The tracks “WURK (feat. jungwooseok)” and “DEVIL ON MY SHOULDER” were also banned due to profanity and foul language.
Other artists hit by the recent round of reviews include XLOV with “Rizz” and Eucalyptus and OLNL, whose songs have been flagged for containing profanity or vulgar language.
Wonho’s fans are now waiting to see whether he will change the lyrics and seek reevaluation or choose to promote the album through alternative channels.
Sources: Daum
