Actor Jung Jun-won's behavior on a variety show has sparked heated debate among internet users.
On the March 1 broadcast, the MBC variety show Hangout With Yoo featured the 'short-form drama–Chikyeoyu' segment, during which Kong Hyojin and Jung Jun-won, the lead actors of MBC's new Friday-Saturday drama A Bona fide Killer, made a surprise appearance as guests to promote the show.
That day Jung Jun-won, appearing on a variety show for the first time, said "I'm out of my mind. My head feels blank," expressing extreme nervousness, and Kong Hyojin also chimed in to be considerate of him, saying, "He's not good at conversation. The conversation doesn't flow well."
The incident occurred during a short-form acting challenge mission. Yu Jae-seok suggested a trending challenge and asked Jung Jun-won to express the line 'How old are you?' with various emotions.
However, faced with numerous cameras and the members' focused attention, Jung Jun-won could not bring himself to speak and only moved his lips. When Yu Jae-seok tried to steer the mood gently, Jung Jun-won belatedly showed willingness, saying "I can do it. I will," and Heo Kyunghwan demonstrated as an example, giving him another chance. But Jung Jun-won again could not open his mouth and tightly closed his eyes, and frustrated, Haha made a gesture of throwing his hat. In the end, senior Kong Hyojin handled the situation by performing the challenge with veteran-level acting skill.
Immediately after the broadcast, online communities and the comment sections on the clip heated up. Internet users criticizing Jung Jun-won's seemingly unenthusiastic and passive attitude poured out fierce criticism, saying, "How long will actors keep using the introvert concept? Variety shows are the same work; if you can't speak on a variety show, you shouldn't be able to act either. I wish they would stop claiming introversion," "So many people desperately want to appear, and even senior Kong Hyojin is working so hard—there's no excuse to shield him by saying he was just nervous," and "A lead actor can't even improvise?"
On the other hand, voices defending him were also strong. Some internet users reacted, "He was just awkward and nervous because he's not used to variety shows," "He might actually be an introvert and felt pressured," and "Instead, his flustered, nervous appearance was fresh and entertaining," showing opposing reactions. There were also responses praising the members' handling, saying, "Haha really lifted the mood whenever it threatened to sag."
Meanwhile, Jung Jun-won is set to portray a husband opposite Kong Hyojin in the drama A Bona fide Killer, which will depict a working mother's struggles.
[Photo] Video capture
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