Only a week since its return from a hiatus after using offensive news clips regarding the Sewol ferry disaster, MBC variety program “Omniscient” has stirred up yet another controversy, this time accused of mocking the disabled.

During last week’s episode, Shin Hyun-joon displayed a brief performance of mentally disabled marathon runner Ki-bong from his film “Barefoot Ki-bong.”

After the show hosts repeatedly asked Shin to re-enact the character, Shin made strange facial expressions and stuttered. The panel reacted with bursts of laughter.

Shin Hyun-joon imitates his character Ki-bong (MBC)

Shin’s acting garnered heavy criticism from some viewers who reportedly perceived it as mockery of disabled persons. One online commenter, who identified herself as a mother of a mentally disabled child, said, “I had tears in my eyes. It is painful to see these people laugh while imitating actions similar to that of my son.”

Fans of the show are reported to be more disappointed since production staff members were completely replaced. Some viewers criticized the show for its “insensitivity” such a short time following its seven-week hiatus.

A petition has now been posted on the presidential office’s website demanding the show be canceled.

By Park Jin-won (jpark13@heraldcorp.com)