Actor Jung Jun-won has addressed criticism over his behavior during an appearance on MBC’s variety show Hangout with Yoo, saying that extreme nervousness caused him to freeze during filming.
During a September 14 interview with Newsen, Jung reflected on the conclusion of the MBC drama Killer Ladies, in which he played Kwon Tae-sung, a journalist and the devoted husband of Yu Bo-na, played by Gong Hyo-jin.
The conversation turned to his appearance on Hangout with Yoo the previous month, where he and Gong Hyo-jin appeared to promote the drama. During an acting challenge, Jung appeared hesitant and struggled to respond, at one point closing his eyes when Yoo Jae-suk gave him another opportunity to participate. His behavior drew criticism from some viewers.
Jung explained that he had become overwhelmed by anxiety. With little variety-show experience and as a longtime viewer of the program, he said meeting Yoo Jae-suk left him especially nervous. “I wanted to do really well, but my mind went blank,” he said, adding that he regretted making viewers uncomfortable.
He said he apologized to the cast after filming and that both Yoo Jae-suk and Gong Hyo-jin reassured him. Jung also confirmed Gong Hyo-jin’s earlier account that he became physically ill from nerves after the recording, saying he experienced nausea after returning home.
Asked whether he would appear on another variety show, Jung said he would welcome the opportunity to redeem himself. He added that if he could redo the appearance with what he knows now, he would try to remain calm and give it his best.
Netizen Reactions
The sampled comments from the Nate News discussion were largely negative and critical of Jung Jun-won’s explanation.
1. What kind of introvert is almost 40 years old and can't even answer a question, just squeezing their eyes shut ㅠㅠ Are you able to function in society?
2. Give me a break, you tried to force some weird character concept and it bombed, lol.
3. You kept your mouth shut while people around you were defending you and the controversy was blowing up, and now you're speaking up anyway....?
4. People have been disappointed by celebrities' private lives so many times that there's not much illusion left anymore. At this point, the mindset is basically, "At least do your job well." Viewers don't have unlimited free time, so if they're taking time out of their busy lives to watch, they expect you to do your job properly.
5. You ruined a variety show appearance with some absolute garbage concept play, what PD is ever going to cast you?
6. Being so starstruck and nervous that you broke down is completely different from being insincere. And the public knows how to tell the difference.
7. Lies. When you went on Sung Si-kyung's YouTube channel, you were all excited and poured your fan heart out, lol. You chatted up a storm. It would be one thing if you didn't act like that anywhere else.
8. Let me say this again, don't try to gaslight us about introverts in front of Uhm Tae-goo. Even Uhm Tae-goo is a pro when the cameras roll. Even in variety shows, not just dramas, when the cameras are on, Uhm Tae-goo does whatever it takes.
9. You are a celebrity. No matter how introverted you are, you were working on that set. Your attitude was not that of someone doing their job. If your job doesn't match your personality, you can just find another line of work.
10. Um, so were the other cast members able to work so hard just because they weren't fans??
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