Broadcaster Yoo Jae Suk’s past comments about how he views colleagues leaving a program are drawing renewed attention.
In May 2023, the YouTube channel DdeunDdeun uploaded a video titled ‘Family Month Is Just an Excuse.’ In the clip, Yoo Jae Suk was talking with Jo Se Ho, Jeon So Min, and (Mijoo) Lee Mi Joo when he shared his honest thoughts on cast departures.
The footage has resurfaced as Lee Yi Kyung recently stepped down from MBC ‘Hangout with Yoo’ following personal-life controversies, and Jo Se Ho exited tvN ‘You Quiz on the Block’ after facing allegations of ties to organized crime figures.
“We’re freelancers. From our perspective, being taken off a show is natural. Of course, for the person going through it, it hurts,” Yoo said, showing empathy. He continued, “But it shouldn’t be viewed in a strange light. From the production team’s standpoint, it is a decision made to create a better program. It is not something they should be criticized for.”
He also mentioned comments he sometimes hears. “People say to me, ‘Brother, that would never happen to you,’ but no one knows what the future holds. Staying on a show does not guarantee happiness. It can be very painful. There are moments when I want to quit together with them.”
Yoo explained that the departure of colleagues leaves a significant burden on those who remain. “We have gone through hardships together, but once they leave, I have to act like nothing happened starting next week. And it is not as if I can open the show by saying, ‘I am really hurting.’ It is tougher than people think. It stays with you for a long time,” he said.
Lee Yi Kyung is currently facing scrutiny over personal life rumors. A whistleblower, A, who claims to be German, released private SNS messages allegedly exchanged with Lee that contain inappropriate content. Lee Yi Kyung denied the allegations as “groundless” and announced strong legal action. He has formally requested an investigation into A. Due to the ongoing rumors, he stepped down from MBC ‘Hangout with Yoo,’ and his scheduled MC role on KBS2 ‘The Return of Superman’ has been canceled.
Jo Se Ho is also facing controversy after being accused of maintaining long-standing ties with an organized crime figure. On December 5, whistleblower A claimed on social media that Jo Se Ho had nearly a decade-long relationship with B, identified as a key figure in a major illegal gambling and money-laundering network. A posted a photo of the two drinking together and alleged that they exchanged expensive gifts.
Jo Se Ho’s agency, A2Z Entertainment, fully denied the accusations and stated that it is reviewing legal action. On December 9, the agency announced Jo Se Ho’s departure from tvN ‘You Quiz on the Block’ and KBS2 ‘2 Days & 1 Night,’ saying, “Jo Se Ho feels a deep sense of responsibility for the misunderstandings and controversy raised recently and fully recognizes the discomfort caused to viewers.” The agency further stated, “Jo Se Ho has no involvement in the alleged criminal organization’s business, and the claim that he received money or goods for promotional purposes is completely false.”
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