"Basically he took the fall." Broadcaster Jun Hyun-moo bowed 90 degrees in apology despite being a grand prize nominee at the 2025 MBC Entertainment Awards. Support has poured in saying he stepped forward as the main MC in response to allegations of manipulation on I Live Alone and the so-called 'injection aunt' gate that began with comedian Park Narae.
On the night of the 29th, the 2025 MBC Entertainment Awards (abbreviated MBC Entertainment Awards) was broadcast live. Jun Hyun-moo, alongside comedian Jang Doyoun, served as co-host and, as this year's entertainer of the year award winner and a grand prize nominee, oversaw the ceremony.
Earlier, Jun Hyun-moo had won the grand prize at the 2025 KBS Entertainment Awards. Though his stature as an entertainer was solid, after briefly leaving the host seat to accept the entertainer of the year award, Jun Hyun-moo bowed 90 degrees at the winner's microphone. It was as if he stood in front of the sharp public criticism aimed at I Live Alone, one of his major MBC programs.
Jun Hyun-moo began, "While hosting today it felt like a festive atmosphere, but this feeling is new to me after attending many entertainment awards. My heart is heavy and I feel sorry," and admitted, "Every year I Live Alone receives a lot of love, and I am also part of that, but I feel this award does not bring me pure happiness because we showed something that fell short of expectations."
He continued, "I would like to take this opportunity to apologize for not meeting expectations. I'm sorry," and explained the reason for the apology, saying, "I thought I could not say this unless it was at this event."
He especially said, "I will take this award not as meaning 'well done' but as 'please do better from now on.' In 2026 I will try to make you feel more pleased. I will strive to be someone who does not make people frown in any respect," and emphasized, "I love and am sorry for the I Live Alone production staff who are working hard even in very difficult circumstances. In 2026 we will carry out a 'renewal project' so we can show something different."
Even in domestic awards culture where humility is the default, Jun Hyun-moo's bowed apology was effectively taking responsibility first in the face of criticism toward I Live Alone. Comedian Park Narae halted her broadcast activities and left amid disputes with former managers, and was later implicated in illegal medical allegations known as the so-called 'injection aunt' gate. SHINee's Key, another I Live Alone member, also announced he would withdraw after saying he received a house-call medical treatment believing the 'injection aunt' was a medical professional. Facing skeptical and critical eyes aimed at past members and participants of I Live Alone, Jun Hyun-moo was the first to bow and offer an apology.
In fact, Jun Hyun-moo himself was suspected of being involved in the 'injection aunt' gate but quickly drew a line and ended the controversy. The fallout also brought up a scene nine years ago showing Jun Hyun-moo receiving an IV in his car, but he was cleared of suspicion on the grounds that it was a legitimate medical visit to a hospital and an unavoidable measure acknowledged by the doctor given his busy schedule. Still, some view Jun Hyun-moo as having stepped forward on behalf of the production team, defending I Live Alone after criticism from Park Narae spread to the show.
Moreover, Jun Hyun-moo's MBC activities are not limited to I Live Alone. He also vowed about another MBC appearance, Omniscient Interfering View, "It is a program that means as much to me as family. I tried to contribute this year, but I feel it was insufficient. Next year I will be Jun Hyun-moo who films more diligently," he said resolutely. Attention is focused on how Jun Hyun-moo, who took the fall, will lead the reform of I Live Alone.
[Photo] OSEN DB, provided by MBC.
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