'Hangout With Yoo' continued its unwavering laughter even in the first broadcast after Lee Yi-kyung's allegations.
On the 22nd, the MBC program 'Hangout With Yoo' aired a unity workshop for the members of 'Insamo (a gathering of unpopular people)'. Although it was the first episode to air after the controversy surrounding the program, the production team maintained the program's usual bright tone and delivered light laughter.
That day, the 'Insamo' members attempted a shoot with the concept of the airport commute that popular stars supposedly must go through. While posing amid camera flashes, the members joked and pointed out each other's fashion, generating laughs. In particular, Choi Hong-man drew attention by appearing carrying a huge bag suited to his physique. In response to a member's appearance, Yoo Jae-suk jokingly said, "Wouldn't that feel like when you were in elementary school?" which provoked uproarious laughter.
Jung Joon-ha's "anger moment" was also a highlight of the broadcast that day. When Yoo Jae-suk pointed out during Joo Woo-jae's line, "That crossed-leg stance isn't appropriate," Jung Joon-ha joined in, saying, "Why are you criticizing that while he's delivering a line?" He continued, "Look at how they protect their own. It's awkward when they go on someone else's show. They whisper among themselves," grumbling toward Yoo Jae-suk and livening the atmosphere.
Jung Joon-ha's recent "overcharging controversy," which has been a hot topic, was also mentioned again. Heo Sung-tae had previously exposed that at a restaurant in the past, his recommended items all ended up on the bill, and Jung Joon-ha insisted again, "I only recommended them; it's definitely not overcharging," expressing his grievance. In response to members' teasing, "Are you being serious-faced?" he raised his voice, "Of course I'm serious! They're saying I charged them when I didn't," and added a self-deprecating joke, "Reporters called me a shameless businessman," filling the scene with laughter.
It was also revealed that Choi Hong-man's "romantic interest" visited the filming site that day. When Yoo Jae-suk said, "I heard that person came together today," the members exclaimed, "It's the first time we've seen a celebrity bring a romantic interest to the set," and burst into laughter. Choi Hong-man explained cautiously, "He said he missed me, so he made time to come," and kept his words brief.
This broadcast aired shortly after Lee Yi-kyung warned of a strong response regarding personal life rumors and directly mentioned that the 'Hangout With Yoo' production team had advised him to quit and had pressured him to perform the face-slapping segment.
Earlier, Lee Yi-kyung expressed his disappointment on social media, saying, "Even though the rumors are not true, I was asked to step down within a day," and he revealed, "Even though I said I didn't want to do the face-slapping bit, the production team forced it on me," causing a major stir. The production team acknowledged the mistake regarding the face-slapping direction in an apology, saying, "It was the production team's failure for not protecting the cast," and explained that they proposed he step down because they judged that, given the growing rumors and the nature of the program, it would be difficult for him to continue.
Despite those repercussions, that day's broadcast drew attention for its strong determination to minimize discomfort and restore the pace of the show's usual variety format.<
[Photo] broadcast capture
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