Broadcast personalities Lee Yi-kyung and Cho Sae-ho have stepped down from programs one after another, and Yu Jae-seok's past remarks about a colleague's departure are drawing renewed attention.
Recently on MBC variety show Hangout With Yoo, Lee Yi-kyung left, and on tvN You Quiz on the Block and KBS2 2 Days & 1 Night, Cho Sae-ho relinquished his positions in succession, leaving Yu Jae-seok to see two colleagues depart in a short period. This has brought renewed attention to the "feelings of those left behind after a departure" that Yu Jae-seok himself mentioned in the past as it aligns with reality.
The remarks were revealed in May 2023 on the YouTube channel TteunTteun's web variety show Pinggyego. At the time, Yu Jae-seok was talking about Jeon So-min's joining Running Man and the pool of variety talent, and candidly shared his thoughts on leaving a program.
Yu Jae-seok said, "Aren't we freelancers? We're freelance," adding, "From our perspective people say 'was fired' or 'left the program,' but actually that's a natural thing." He continued, "Of course it hurts for the person going through it. But I don't think that choice should be viewed negatively. The production team is also making choices to create more entertaining programs," speaking on behalf of the production team's position as well.
He did not hide how he felt watching a colleague leave. Yu Jae-seok said, "Sometimes people tell me, 'That wouldn't happen to you, hyung,' but you never know," and confessed frankly, "Just because you remain doesn't mean you're happy. It hurts a lot." He added, "It's someone who suffered together, but I am the only one left and from next week I have to act as if nothing happened. You also can't express all your inner feelings in the opening. That lasts quite a long time."
Those remarks are being mentioned again as they align with the recent situation. First, Lee Yi-kyung was embroiled in personal life rumors after being accused by a person who identified herself as a German woman. Lee Yi-kyung's side said the claims were false and warned of legal action, but the controversy did not subside easily, and he eventually left Hangout With Yoo. Later Lee Yi-kyung said the production team first suggested his departure, which generated further noise.
Cho Sae-ho was also embroiled in allegations of ties to organized crime figures and accepting money for business promotion. Cho Sae-ho's side denied the claims, saying, "It was a personal acquaintance and unrelated to business or receiving money," but the controversy continued, and he ultimately decided to voluntarily leave You Quiz on the Block and 2 Days & 1 Night season 4. His agency said it was a choice made so as not to burden viewers and the production team and indicated it would continue legal action.
With Cho Sae-ho's departure, You Quiz on the Block will continue recording with Yu Jae-seok as the sole MC for the time being, and discussions are under way about his replacement. That is why Yu Jae-seok's past remarks, after losing colleagues in quick succession, are being recalled.
[Photo] OSEN DB / YouTube capture
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