Through an official statement on the 25th, the production team stated, "Jun Hyun-moo's trip to Kazakhstan was exactly as shown on the broadcast. Right before departing for Kazakhstan at the airport, he submitted his international driver's license and passport as requested by the local rental car company and rented the vehicle."
Regarding the controversy over the local rental car rental procedures that arose afterward, they admitted to shortcomings in checking administrative procedures, stating, "After the broadcast, we checked with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Kazakhstan and belatedly confirmed that a separate notarization process is required." They added, "The embassy conveyed that many citizens suffer damages locally due to such issues, and stated they will provide guidance once again so that visiting citizens do not suffer damages."
In addition, regarding suspicions of sponsorship by local tourism authorities, they emphasized, "We have not received any filming support or sponsorships in connection with this Kazakhstan trip," drawing a line against the manipulation rumors.
In the previously broadcast Kazakhstan episode, Jun Hyun-moo was shown deciding on his destination impromptu at Incheon International Airport and leaving for a 1-and-2-day trip. However, issues such as omitting the mandatory local rental car notarization procedure, the companion staff securing same-day tickets, and mentions of filming support by the Almaty tourism authorities came under fire, raising pointed questions about whether it was a pre-planned trip.
The production team promised to exercise caution in the future, stating, "We will look into things more carefully and produce the broadcast."
[Photo = MBC]
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)