During the MBC variety show "Hangout with Yoo" broadcast on August 1, Kong Hyo-jin and Jung Jun-won, the lead stars of the new Friday-Saturday drama "A Bona Fide Killer", appeared as guests.
On this day, Jung Jun-won, appearing on a variety show for the first time, looked rigid right after his entrance, stating, "I don't think I'm okay." Sitting anxiously on the edge of his chair and hesitating to answer questions smoothly, he was also extremely nervous during a challenge where he had to act out a single line with multiple emotions, tightly closing his eyes and failing to utter the lines at all. In response, members Yu Jae-seok, HAHA, Huh Kyung-hwan, and Joo Woo-jae, along with fellow guest Kong Hyo-jin, led the atmosphere and continuously helped him out.
However, right after the broadcast, criticisms poured out online. Moving beyond reactions such as "he lacks sincerity" and "he lacks proactivity for a promotional appearance," the situation escalated into excessive, personal attacks involving disparagement of his acting skills and crude insults regarding his appearance. Being stripped of his value as an actor simply because of one awkward moment on a variety show has drawn regret.
As the controversy overheated, HAHA, who was at the recording site, directly voiced his convictions.
HAHA directly left a comment on a short-form video pointing out Jung Jun-won's attitude controversy, defending him by writing, "He was so lovely, cute, and funny. It was a reaction intended to make it entertaining. Even for pros, 'Hangout with Yoo' is really difficult for a first variety show." He added a heartwarming message of encouragement, saying, "Since he is not a professional entertainer, please look upon him kindly and just enjoy the variety show. I send my applause to the actor."
Viewers' likes and dislikes regarding the awkwardness shown in an unfamiliar variety show environment can certainly vary. However, rather than excessive disparagement and baseless speculation, it is a time when a mature perspective toward an actor challenging a new field is needed.
[Photo Credit = MBC "Hangout with Yoo", HAHA Instagram]
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)