Here’s Why Idols Have To Cover Up Tattoos On Broadcast But Athletes Don’t

If you’re a constant viewer of idols’ performances on stage, you’d realize that most of them would cover their tattoos with a skin-colored bandage. Even more puzzling is the fact that fake tattoos would be applied and left as it is, while real tattoos were covered up.

While many may have the misconception that tattoos are banned on television, it’s not actually so. When it was questioned how many of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic athletes showed up on television with their tattoos in full view while idols often cover theirs up, a representative from the Korean Broadcasting and Communications Standards Commission responded. According to the staff, there was no set rule that bans tattoos from being aired. However, the standards have to be flexibly considered based on the contents of the show itself, and if it may hinder ethics and dignity.

Various tattoos from the athletes. | theqoo

Rather than a set rule, each show is reviewed and monitored in detail, and the rules are adjusted accordingly. With regards to the Olympics, the Olympics was not produced locally and hence the rules cannot be stringently applied. On the other hand, with regards to celebrities’ tattoos, a broadcasting staff commented that if a tattoo is shown, the show needs to be recorded again.

Many believe these strict rules to be due to the influence idols and celebrities hold over teens and young children.