Jung Joon-won Freezes on His First Variety Show… Haha Steps Up to Defend Him Against Excessive Malicious Comments

Actor Jung Joon-won, who took on his first-ever variety show appearance, has been caught up in a "stiff attitude controversy" over his passive behavior caused by extreme nervousness, while also facing a barrage of malicious comments. Amid this, broadcaster Haha, who was present at the scene, personally stepped up to clarify the situation and send warm words of encouragement.

On the August 1 broadcast of the MBC variety show "How Do You Play?", actress Gong Hyo-jin and actor Jung Joon-won, the leads of the new Friday-Saturday drama "Married Woman Killer", appeared as guests.

During the broadcast, Jung, who was appearing on a variety show for the first time, showed a rigid demeanor right after his arrival, saying, "I don't think I'm okay." Sitting anxiously on the edge of his chair and hesitating to answer questions, he was extremely nervous even during a challenge where he had to act out a single line with multiple emotions, tightly closing his eyes and failing to utter the line itself. In response, show members Yoo Jae-seok, Haha, Huh Kyung-hwan, and Joo Woo-jae, along with fellow guest Gong Hyo-jin, led the atmosphere and continuously helped him out.

However, immediately following the broadcast, criticisms poured out online. Moving beyond reactions such as "he lacks sincerity" and "he came to promote his work but lacks enthusiasm," it escalated into excessive, personal attacks involving derogatory remarks disparaging his acting skills and appearance. The situation, where his very value as an actor was being undermined due to a single clumsy moment on a variety show, has sparked regret.

As the controversy overheated, Haha, who was present at the recording site, voiced his personal convictions.

Haha left a direct comment on a short-form video pointing out Jung Joon-won's attitude controversy, defending him by writing, "He was so lovely, cute, and entertaining. It was a reaction meant to make it fun. Even for professionals, 'How Do You Play?' is really difficult for a first variety show." He added a heartwarming message of support, saying, "Since he isn't a professional variety show entertainer, please look upon him kindly and just enjoy the show. I send a round of applause to the actor."

Viewers' preferences regarding the awkwardness displayed in an unfamiliar variety show environment can certainly vary. However, rather than excessive disparagement and baseless speculation, it is a time when a mature perspective toward an actor challenging themselves in a new field is needed.

(Photo courtesy of MBC "How Do You Play?" screen capture, Haha's Instagram comment capture)

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.