Comedian Park Na-rae has suspended activities due to a conflict with a former manager. But as a result, even Park Na-rae's close friends suffered secondary damage by losing their jobs.
On the 16th, MBC announced the cancellation of the production of "Farm You Trip." A representative told OSEN, "'Farm You Trip' was a program in the planning discussion stage, and it was decided not to proceed based on internal judgment," and made an official statement.
"Farm You Trip" is a spin-off variety show of MBC's flagship program I Live Alone. Jun Hyun-moo, Park Na-rae and Lee Jang-woo had gained great love as the "Farm You siblings" while carrying out various mukbang trips, and based on that popularity a standalone variety show was under discussion. Earlier, when Lee Jang-woo left I Live Alone after marrying Jo Hye-won, fans lamented that they could no longer see the "Farm You siblings," and the news of the production of "Farm You Trip" excited and delighted many fans.
But that excitement collapsed in the face of Park Na-rae's controversy. Park Na-rae was recently engulfed in various allegations following revelations by a former manager. The former manager's side exposed allegations of Park Na-rae's abusive behavior, unpaid production expenses, proxy prescriptions and illegal medical practices, causing a stir. They complained of harassment they suffered from Park Na-rae and filed a petition for property seizure at the Seoul Western District Court and also announced plans to file a lawsuit seeking about 100 million won in damages. Park Na-rae countered that the former manager's side pressured her with baseless claims and demanded money after resigning. She was also embroiled in controversy over operating an unregistered one-person agency, but she said that because the former manager was responsible and falsely reported that all registration procedures had been completed, she did not realize it was unregistered.
Later, Park Na-rae countersued the former managers at the Yongsan Police Station in Seoul on charges including extortion. But the former managers alleged that Na-rae had listed a former boyfriend as if he were a company employee and paid about 44 million won in wages, and that she transferred 300 million won of company money to prepare a deposit, accusing Park Na-rae of embezzlement. In addition, it was revealed that Park Na-rae appeared to have received illegal medical procedures from a so-called "injection aunt" who did not hold a medical license, causing shock. Park Na-rae denied this and on the 8th announced the suspension of her activities.
In the end, Park Na-rae left MBC's I Live Alone, Rescue Me! Homes and tvN's Amazing Saturday, and the broadcasting industry quickly began an effort to "erase Park Na-rae." The problem is that because of that, even Park Na-rae's close friends who were preparing a new program together suffered secondary damage. Moreover, for Lee Jang-woo, who left his fixed appearance on I Live Alone because of marriage, "Farm You Trip" was a precious new job. With "Village Chief Lee Jang-woo 2" having ended last month, and with the production of "Farm You Trip" also canceled, Lee Jang-woo ultimately faced an unintended risk of a career interruption.
The damage was not limited to "Farm You Trip." OSEN exclusively reported that another new MBC variety show that Park Na-rae was scheduled to appear on, "Me Too Excited," was also completely canceled. "Me Too Excited" was a travel variety show featuring the four comedian close friends who know each other better than family — Park Na-rae, Jang Doyoun, Shin Gi-ru and Heo An-na. With the production team from Radio Star and Adventure by Accident and the meeting of the four trending comedians, expectations rose for the creation of a female version of Adventure by Accident.
Moreover, "Me Too Excited" was slated to premiere in January next year. But just one month before the broadcast, Park Na-rae's controversy erupted and the entire program vanished in an instant. Because the program title was based on the members' names and the chemistry of the four cast members was central, it was said to be difficult to realize the planning intent without Park Na-rae. As a result, because of the mistake of a single Park Na-rae, Jang Doyoun, Shin Gi-ru and Heo An-na saw a program they had all finished filming disappear one month before its first broadcast.
In particular, Heo An-na drew attention on the 15th by revealing a depressed mood, saying "my self-esteem is declining." Heo An-na, who is a former stage actress and is starting a new challenge as an actor rather than a comedian, has received much support. Amid this, she said, "(Profile) I went to six places and not a single one contacted me. I thought I'd get into the first audition at once and that I'd get in this time too. Once again I felt that the world is not easy," and added, "Honestly, I was a bit upset. I thought I'd fail, but when there was no contact I felt my self-esteem declining," sharing her feelings. Her situation, with consecutive audition rejections and the cancellation of "Me Too Excited," creates sympathy.
Meanwhile, on the 8th Park Na-rae said in a post, "With your help I was able to meet face-to-face with the former manager and resolve misunderstandings and distrust between us," indicating that the conflict with the former manager had been resolved. But contrary to her claim, the former managers continued additional disclosures, countering that Park Na-rae met them at a karaoke room in her home while intoxicated and appealed to emotion rather than offering apologies and settlements.
On the 16th, Park Na-rae released a video and said, "There are parts of the currently raised issues whose facts need to be calmly verified, so legal procedures are underway. In that process I will refrain from making additional public statements or explanations. I believe this matter is not a personal feeling or relationship issue but something that should be verified objectively through official procedures. This choice is not to blame or seek responsibility from someone but to exclude emotion and personal judgment and leave it to procedure to sort out," conveying that she would follow legal procedures instead of apologizing or explaining.
She added, "Many stories are circulating now, but I do not want anyone else to be hurt or for this to turn into an unnecessary controversy. So I will stop all activities for a while and take time to focus on resolving this matter," and said, "I will reflect on my responsibilities and attitude from my position. Matters that require time will be calmly entrusted to procedures and handled. I thank the many people who have cared for me, and to avoid further controversy I will not make related comments after this video," firmly stating there would be no further statements.
[Photos] OSEN DB, MBC, SNS
[OSEN]