Hwang Young-woong's OST track barred from KBS broadcast amid controversy

KBS will not broadcast 사랑한다면, the track Hwang Young-woong recorded for its weekend drama 사랑을 처방해 드립니다 (Love by Prescription). The broadcaster told production the song could not air and would carry no OST label—a decision it says stands regardless of the controversy surrounding the singer.

The track was released without OST credit. (Two sources give different release dates—one states July 14, the other January 14; the exact date remains unconfirmed.) KBS said the record label had the right to release the audio and proceeded as planned, but confirmed there is no description linking it to the drama and that it has no plans to use the recording going forward.

Production company 냠냠엔터테인먼트 said Hwang's vocals were built into the OST project from the early stages and that his participation was decided while recruiting multiple trot singers. KBS said it only learned of his involvement when the drama was already four episodes from its finale and the full music lineup through the final episode had been locked.

Hwang stepped away from MBN's 불타는 트롯맨 in 2023 after allegations of school violence and personal conduct surfaced during the broadcast, despite being considered a frontrunner to win. In January, his team denied the allegations in full, calling a significant portion of the circulated claims "maliciously edited or one-sided claims with unconfirmed facts." Hwang himself stated: "I will not make excuses by saying it was something from my childhood. I will reflect, clear up misunderstandings, and sincerely apologize."

He also addressed his long silence, saying it "was not because the raised allegations were true" but was "a singer's decision out of concern that harm might come to the public stage of the competition and fellow artists."

Hwang made his first official event appearance in approximately three years on February 28 at the 54th Gangjin Celadon Festival in Gangjin, Jeollanam-do, performing 오빠가 돌아왔다, 뜨거운 안녕, and 밤안개. No broadcast comeback plans or specific appearance schedules have been announced as of publication. In July's Netizen Awards, he currently holds first place in five categories: Male Singer, Album, CF Model, Fan Book, and Net Grand Prix.