These days, with the rise of cable, OTT, and platforms like YouTube, it feels like Korean broadcasting has changed a lot compared to the past.

When I was younger, profanity was almost taboo on public broadcasts. Whenever there was swearing in a movie, there would always be a 'beep' sound, and it wasn't included in the subtitles either.

Then, with the emergence of cable broadcasting, things started to change little by little.

I don't remember exactly, but I recall that adult shows featuring comedians like Jung Sang-ryul began to include light swearing.

At that time, I thought, "Cable really is different."

However, looking at YouTube now, those early cable broadcasts seem almost like model students.

YouTubers casually use what we commonly refer to as strong profanity.

This isn't just a slip of the tongue in an excited moment; there are cases where swearing becomes part of their speech for 20 or 30 minutes during a broadcast.

Interestingly, YouTube's regulations do not strictly prohibit profanity.

YouTube does not automatically delete videos just because they contain strong language.

In fact, by 2025, the advertising policy will be relaxed, meaning that if strong profanity appears within the first 7 seconds of a video, it won't automatically limit ad revenue.

Of course, if a title or thumbnail contains severe profanity or if the video is mostly filled with swearing, it may face advertising restrictions.

In the U.S., hate speech targeting specific groups based on race or religion is a separate issue.

What I find interesting is the content related to eating shows or eating disorders.

YouTube is quite sensitive about this topic.

This doesn't mean they ban all eating shows.

However, content that glamorizes extreme binge eating, vomiting, or starvation, or provides specific methods for these behaviors, can be restricted or removed.

At first, it feels a bit strange. They allow strong swearing but regulate eating content?

But if you look closely at the criteria, there is a reason behind it.

While profanity is generally seen as a matter of expression, content related to eating disorders or self-harm is viewed as a potential risk for physical harm if imitated.

With the addition of Netflix, the language of video that Koreans are exposed to has changed once again.

When watching Netflix dramas, the level of profanity that was hard to hear on old Korean TV comes out very naturally.

The difference is that Netflix is not a platform where anyone can upload videos like YouTube; it is an OTT that provides movies and dramas by rating.

So, rather than eliminating all profanity, it is more about determining "what age group can watch this work."

Looking at Korea's video rating standards, 'dialogue' is a separate evaluation factor.

The strength and frequency of profanity, vulgar language, and crude expressions can influence the viewing rating along with other factors.

In fact, Netflix also classifies content in Korea with ratings like all ages, 12+, 15+, and not suitable for minors.

Parents can restrict viewing ratings by profile or block specific works altogether.

So, the Netflix approach is, in a way, simple.

Is there really a need to censor swearing in dramas meant for adults?

I feel a generational gap here. In the past, if someone swore on TV, it would become news.

Broadcasting was fundamentally something that families watched together in the living room.

Now, the father watches Netflix, the mother watches YouTube, and the child is in their room with a tablet. The era when a single broadcasting station sent the same screen to all citizens has ended.

As a result, the way we manage profanity seems to be shifting from "prohibiting swearing" to "distinguishing who can see it."

The problem lies with YouTube.

Netflix at least has a clear boundary with its viewing ratings.

On Netflix, you can limit the viewing ratings of profiles and block specific works.

On YouTube, a short video can quickly spread to millions of people through algorithms.

So sometimes, when I come across a video on YouTube filled with strong profanity, I wonder.

Have we become too accustomed to swearing?

Now, on YouTube, much rougher language is consumed as part of personal broadcasts.

Times have changed, so we can't apply the old broadcasting standards as they are.

Still, aside from freedom of expression, one thing needs to be considered.

The freedom to swear and the normalization of swearing as everyday broadcast language are not the same thing.

Perhaps what we are witnessing now is not just a loosening of broadcasting regulations but a process where the very concept of 'broadcasting' is disappearing.