A national broadcaster on Thursday indefinitely suspended its contract with Lee Young-don, a television personality who is famous for his investigative reporting on popular food products.

The Joongang Tongyang Broadcasting Company severed its contract with Lee after the star producer was found to have filmed a food commercial while serving as the main host of an investigative food program on JTBC.

“Advertising a particular food product while serving as a host for an investigative program harms the overall credibility of the show,” JTBC wrote on its website.

“We will decide what to do after Mr. Lee shows a responsible attitude toward his actions,” JTBC added.

Lee apologized and vowed to donate the money he received for filming the advertisement to a worthwhile cause.

By Jeong Hunny (hj257@heraldcorp.com)