'2025 MBC entertainment awards' is in crisis. With only three weeks remaining, a major variable has emerged with core member Park Narae suspending activities, and the I Live Alone (hereafter I Live Alone) team's atmosphere has rapidly frozen. Among viewers there are already reactions such as "a total mess", "the mood at the entertainment awards itself will change."
On the 8th, Park Narae officially announced she would suspend all broadcasting activities in relation to allegations of manager abuse and illegal medical procedures and controversy over not registering a one-person agency. In a statement she said, "In early November two managers who had been like family suddenly left, and until recently I was unable to communicate sufficiently with the parties, which led to accumulated misunderstandings."
She added, "I met with the former managers and cleared up the misunderstandings, but nevertheless I believe all responsibility is my fault," and said, "I decided to suspend broadcasting activities because I judged I could no longer be a burden to the program and my colleagues." Finally she bowed her head and said, "I deeply apologize to those who believed in and supported me."
Park Narae's departure is dealing a heavy blow to I Live Alone. Since joining in 2016 she has been the center of the "rainbow gathering" and effectively the mood maker, and she is considered a figure who led the program's heyday. With her gone, both production staff and cast have taken on considerable burdens.
The problem is timing. MBC is scheduled to hold the 2025 MBC entertainment awards on the 29th. As in past years the I Live Alone team had been mentioned as candidates for major categories, but with Park Narae suspending activities the team must face the awards ceremony in an awkward situation.
In fact, I Live Alone production issued an official statement on the 8th saying, "Considering the fairness and seriousness of the matter we have continued internal discussions," and announced, "Respecting Park Narae's intention to suspend activities, we have decided to stop her appearances."
Park Narae's absence was immediately evident in viewer reactions. On online communities and social media people are pouring out concerns and sadness such as "I can't imagine I Live Alone without Park Narae", "the team's mood will be like a funeral", "the center of cheerfulness is gone", "what expression will they wear on stage at the MBC entertainment awards?"
Park Narae already did not participate in the I Live Alone recording held on the 8th. Even if it is a temporary suspension, because the timing of her return is unclear there are forecasts the program's balance could be shaken. Given the large share and relational role of the character Park Narae had handled, production sources assess that simple substitution will not be easy.
Added to this is MBC's overall content slump. This year variety shows and drama overall did not achieve expected results, and there is analysis that some cast members were repeatedly involved in controversies that damaged their images. In this situation the departure of a core member of the flagship variety show I Live Alone is expected inevitably to affect the overall landscape of the entertainment awards.
Ultimately viewers' attention focuses on one question. "Can MBC properly hold the entertainment awards under these circumstances?" Voices of worry and concern are emerging to that extent. How I Live Alone, without Park Narae, will approach the awards ceremony in the remaining three weeks, and how MBC will manage this crisis, are drawing intense interest.<
[photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]