MBC, a major broadcaster in South Korea, said Monday it would ban five celebrities from taking part in its programs, citing their drug and gambling issues.

MBC’s internal committee reviewed the cases and made public its decision to impose the restriction on Kim Yong-man, Jang Mi-in-ae, Lee Seung-yeon, Hyung Young and Park Shi-yeon.

Kim Yong-man, MBC comedian and TV program host, was sentenced on June 27 to an eight-month jail term and two years of probation for illegal sports gambling, the Seoul Central District Court said. The four actresses similarly were penalized for abusing propofol, an anesthetic used in surgeries.

By Sung Jin-woo, Intern reporter
(jinwoo0120@hearldcorp.com)