If you follow Korea variety show religiously, you’d know about Law of the Jungle.
The highly popular show first aired in 2011 and has been going strong since then. The premise is simple: celebrities would be taken to a remote location to survive in the wild.
Pretty interesting, right?
Look at how happy these people they are. Outfield has never been so fun.
But recently, this show got into the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Thailand Episode
Usually, the cast would head to different countries.
From March to early May, the episodes aired were set in New Zealand, which comprise 10 episodes.
And from 11 May 2019 onwards?
In Thailand.
Hosted by the usual Kim Byung-man, the second part of their journey in Thailand comprises Kim Roi-ha, Lee Seung-yoon, Heo Kyung-hwan, Song Won-seok, Lee Yeol-eum, B.I from iKon and Yeri from Red Velvet.
In a recent episode, the Thai authorities spotted something.
In the show, Lee Yeol-eum was shown swimming in the sea at the Hat Chao Mai National Park of Trang province. She spotted a giant clam and tried to take it off, but it wouldn’t come off.
She then went to another area, spotted another clam and took a dive to the seabed for it. This time, she managed to remove it and when she resurfaced with cheers from her fellow guests, she said, “I was the happiest person in the world. I did it. I caught this with my own hands.”
And in total, she actually managed to catch three giant clams.
But there’s a problem.
Clams are Endangered Creatures
It’s unknown if Lee or the production team know that the giant clams are endangered creatures or not (read on and you’ll understand); technically known as tridacna gigas, they can grow up to 1.3m and could weigh up to 250kg, with a lifespan of 100 years.
Chances are, Lee caught the “children” of tridacna gigas.
Over in Thailand, these clams are protected by the Wild Animal Reservation and Protection Act of 1992, and hunting and trading them means a penalty of four years in jail and/or a fine of up to 40,000 Baht (SGD$1,766.74).
After the hunt, the celebrities even ate the clams.
Thailand Authorities to Take Action
According to the head of the Hat Chao Mai National Park Narong Kong-iad, he said that the production team had been given permission by the Tourism Department of Thailand as well as the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to film there.
Also, he added that the group were fully aware of the regulations and laws.
And the authorities aren’t going to just sit by and do nothing, they’re “in the process of filing police complaints against people involved in the case, including the company that sought permission for the production and liaisons.”
Narong added, “They must have understood what they did was wrong. The National Parks Department has already been in touch with coordinating firms to inform them of the wrongdoing and legal actions.”
The production team had apologised, claiming that they were “not aware of Thailand’s wildlife regulations” and “will be more cautious of our actions when producing the show in the future.”
However, that apology wouldn’t suffice; Lee would face five years’ imprisonment, as Narong said that “this is a criminal case and we cannot withdraw the complaint.”
And according to Narong, the police will find a way to find Lee if she’s no longer in Thailand.
Would you be jailed for being half-naked in public? Well, the answer will shock you. Seriously. Watch this to the end and you'll understand:
