I Live Alone production staff denied allegations that they deceived viewers about Jun Hyun-moo's impromptu trip to Kazakhstan.
On the 25th, MBC's I Live Alone told OSEN, "Jun Hyun-moo's trip to Kazakhstan was exactly as shown on the broadcast: just before departing for Kazakhstan at the airport, he submitted an international driving permit and passport required by the local rental car company and rented the vehicle."
I Live Alone said, "After the broadcast there were inquiries about how to use local rental cars, so we checked with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Kazakhstan and belatedly confirmed that a separate notarization procedure is required," adding, "The embassy said many nationals suffer damage locally because of this issue and that it will provide guidance again to prevent nationals visiting the area from being harmed."
On the 14th and 21st, I Live Alone showed Jun Hyun-moo leaving for a 2 Days & 1 Night trip to Almaty, Kazakhstan.
With a short 2 Days & 1 Night break in a busy schedule, Jun Hyun-moo headed to the airport without a plan to make the most of his time off. Standing before the departures board showing flight times, he wondered, "Where should I go?" and chose Almaty, Kazakhstan, a seven-hour flight away. He bought a plane ticket on the spot, reserved accommodation and a rental car, and after arriving in Kazakhstan he drove to enjoy the traditional market "Green Bazaar," Koktobe, where Almaty's night view and rides can be enjoyed, and a lamb restaurant recommended by Ku Sung-hwan and Lee Ju-seung, enjoying an independent trip.
However, after the broadcast, questions arose that the process of renting a car differed from reality, and that it was unrealistic that so many staff members suddenly bought plane tickets and booked accommodation, prompting suspicions of sponsorship.
The suspicion grew after Almaty city introduced the I Live Alone content on the Kazakh government website and said "there was support from the Almaty tourism office," raising questions about whether sponsorship was hidden and viewers were deceived.
In response, I Live Alone dismissed the sponsorship allegations, saying, "We did not receive any filming support or sponsorship related to this trip to Kazakhstan."
I Live Alone also promised, "Going forward, the production team will take more care in producing the broadcast."
[OSEN]