Comedian Kim Joon-hyun is leaving the beloved nest where he spent five years to stand on his own. At the same time, he faces a new start while carrying the task of a recent online "attitude controversy."
Kim Joon-hyun's exclusive contract with his agency SM C&C recently expired. An SM C&C official told OSEN on the 19th, "It is true that the exclusive contract with Kim Joon-hyun has expired," the agency said in an official statement. After Lee Juck's 2021 move, he had been working under the same roof with renowned broadcasters such as Kang Ho-dong and Jun Hyun-moo, and after five years he chose an amicable parting.
Kim Joon-hyun, who debuted as part of KBS's 22nd open recruitment in 2007 and led the heyday of Gag Concert, is currently active as a variety show mainstay crossing terrestrial and cable networks with programs such as KBS2's Immortal Songs, MBC Every1's Welcome, First Time in Korea and Comedy TV's Delicious Guys.
With his characteristic warm image and proven hosting ability, major agencies are expected to court him. Industry attention is focused on which new partner he will join hands with to shape a second heyday.
But Kim Joon-hyun recently faced an unexpected "attitude controversy," putting him in an awkward position. The incident began with a video of him on his way to the studio on the 10th to record The Seasons.
In the video, Kim Joon-hyun moved under an umbrella held by his manager in bad weather while looking at his phone, and he kept a blank expression despite fans shouting "fighting." Meanwhile, another clip showed him meeting broadcasting staff inside the building, offering a bright smile and a polite 90-degree bow, prompting critiques that "the temperature toward fans and staff is too different," the so-called "strong-weak-weak-strong" criticism.
Some netizens could not hide their disappointment at the contrast with his unpretentious image on broadcasts. In particular, reactions continued that he appeared uncomfortable accepting excessive escorting by his manager as if it were natural.
On the other hand, voices defending Kim Joon-hyun are also loud. The opinion is that judging someone's character from a short video of about 20 seconds is harsh. In fact, a careful look at the video shows a gesture that seems to be a slight bow toward fans, and some argue that in the confusion of a rainy day it is likely he could not attend to everyone around him. This is why there are calls for caution against a hasty witch hunt.
As a big name on the free agent market, whether Kim Joon-hyun can overcome this controversy and win back the public with his characteristic healthy and cheerful laughter is drawing attention to his future moves.<
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]