Did his transformation into the "broadcasting Yang Sang-guk," which changes with the camera cut sound, precariously cross the line? Comedian Yang Sang-guk recently addressed directly the "rudeness controversies" that have arisen about him.
Yang Sang-guk recently faced a roller-coaster of public reaction swinging rapidly between hot and cold. After making his first appearance at the end of February on MBC variety show Hangout With Yoo (abbreviated Hangout) in episode 1 of "The era of country bumpkins," aka "Money Wars," he rose as a blue chip in the broadcast industry, being called "crown prince of Gimhae" and "son of Gyeongnam." His hearty dialect, quick wit from his long comedy career, and boldness that did not shrink even in front of "national MC" Yu Jae-seok — calling him "Yu Jae-seok" or "Mr. Yu" — provided laughs.
Riding that momentum, Yang Sang-guk appeared consecutively not only on additional "Money Wars" episodes of Hangout With Yoo, but also on Yu Jae-seok's ongoing YouTube web variety show Pinggego, tvN's You Quiz on the Block, TV CHOSUN's variety show Chosun's Casanova, and tvN's Amazing Saturday. But viewer reactions were different. Bold remarks and behavior that had been praised provoked criticism from some internet users as "rude," escalating into controversy. On the 12th, OSEN asked Yang Sang-guk directly about his feelings.
Yang Sang-guk first spoke about how he felt after encountering the recent string of critical opinions, saying, "Because these are comments made after watching the broadcast, I try to take them to heart. This is the first time I've experienced such intense interest and critical reactions, so I didn't know how to respond." He added, "That's why I think I couldn't say more, but I am listening to everything carefully."
He spoke candidly about scenes in Pinggego where he mentioned his dating history. In that broadcast, Yang Sang-guk, alongside Yu Jae-seok, actor Han Sang-jin, and broadcaster Nam Chang Hee, emphasized a different view of dating and revealed his "conviction" as an unmarried late bachelor from Gyeongsang Province. He said that if he could never do affectionate acts like bringing a girlfriend home, he would not start a relationship rashly.
Coincidentally, those remarks acted as a trigger that divided opinions about Yang Sang-guk. Even after Yu Jae-seok's advice, his insistence on "personal style" was perceived as somewhat stubborn, prompting back-and-forth debate.
But Yang Sang-guk's reality was different. He admitted cautiously, "I acted tough and spoke that way on Pinggego, but in fact I'm not like that. In my last relationship I accompanied her every day for two years." He explained, "Because people have seen me as the 'Gyeongsang man' character, I felt I shouldn't speak that way, so I spoke strongly, and in trying to show the expected image I think I crossed the line." In other words, in sticking to the character of a "strong Gyeongsang man" as a kind of "broadcasting Yang Sang-guk," he lost touch with the times.
Separately, regarding criticism that he did not support fellow comedians' gags such as Kim Haejun's on the most recent broadcast of Amazing Saturday, Yang Sang-guk said, "The filming site was fine. As you know, I'm a different person on and off camera. I'm usually very quiet and nothing special. Since I can't drink and quietly just work, when the camera points at me it makes me appear more pulled-up, but in reality I tried to be good to my seniors, and I think they let me show that on broadcast as well."
Yang Sang-guk added, "In reality I'm not that kind of person, but I overdid some remarks without realizing it, and it seems to have made viewers uncomfortable, so I'm sorry. To the people who filmed with me, I was very respectful on site. But because I felt I had to be different in front of the camera, I think I overdid it too much, and it seems I caused unnecessary discomfort to viewers and the production staff, so I'm sorry. I don't know what to do."
Despite his embarrassment and leaving some criticism behind, Yang Sang-guk continues to respond to calls from the broadcasting world. He is currently filming a new "Money Wars" episode for Hangout With Yoo, slated to air this week. Most recently, he appeared as a guest on KBS 2TV variety show Problem Child in House. Reports even suggested that on Problem Child in House Yang Sang-guk directly expressed his feelings about the "Yu Jae-seok rudeness controversy."
Yang Sang-guk said he was being cautious in order not to cause nuisance on programs that are not solo shows. He said, "I honestly addressed the reactions of people who felt uncomfortable after watching my recent broadcasts," and added, "Because it's not a show that I do alone, I hope the people who participate with me will also be forgiving."
[Photo] OSEN DB, YouTube and tvN sources.
[OSEN]