'Lee Sook-camp': Why Seol Jang-hoon is acceptable, but Lee Dong-geon is not? [★FOCUS]

*This content was translated by AI.

Are there still hurdles for actors appearing on divorce-related variety shows?

News that actor Lee Dong-geon has been selected as a permanent panelist on JTBC's 'Divorce Reflection Camp' (hereinafter 'Lee Sook-camp'), following Jin Taehyun, has been a hot topic for several days. Public reaction leans more toward concern than approval. In fact, many have offered sharp criticism, with some asking, "Who is teaching whom?"

'Lee Sook-camp' production team told StarNews on the 29th: "It is correct that Lee Dong-geon will join the broadcast. Filming has already been completed, and the episodes featuring Lee Dong-geon are scheduled to air starting in July." The production team also announced Jin Taehyun's departure, citing "program restructuring and changes."

One might wonder what common ground exists between Lee Dong-geon and Jin Taehyun, given that Lee is taking over Jin's role. However, the public quickly pointed out the difference between Jin Taehyun, known as a devoted husband, and Lee Dong-geon, a divorced man.

'Lee Sook-camp' explained its decision to recruit Lee Dong-geon by stating: "Mr. Lee Dong-geon has personal experience with divorce and has demonstrated affection for his daughter through numerous broadcasts over the years." Having gone through a divorce may indeed qualify someone to appear on 'Lee Sook-camp.' Main MC Seol Jang-hoon also has a divorce experience. Participants and viewers on the show can listen to advice from those with divorce experience and ultimately receive a positive message by using them as a mirror for reflection.

However, there is another difference between Lee Dong-geon and Seol Jang-hoon: the extent of rumors surrounding their divorces. While Seol Jang-hoon faced no significant rumors after his divorce, Lee Dong-geon was surrounded by various speculations and suspicions. Lee Dong-geon was labeled the "Chairman of the Chair" after publicly dating four times before his divorce from actress Cho Yun-hee and once after. While the number of relationships may vary from person to person, for celebrities, publicizing them can certainly not create a favorable image.

Lee Dong-geon's father previously expressed his son's grievance regarding the "Chairman of the Chair" label on SBS's 'My Little Old Boy' in 2024. Lee Dong-geon's father stated: "My son seems to have publicly dated about five times. Whenever he started dating, he would announce it immediately. I once asked him, 'Others hide their relationships, so why does a celebrity have to make everything public?' He replied that being open is a way of respecting the other person. That's how he got the nickname 'Chairman of the Chair.' He protested, saying, 'I was honest and public, so why am I called Chairman of the Chair?'"

While Lee Dong-geon may have simply shown courtesy toward his dating partners, South Korean society still finds it difficult to fully accept his mindset. Many will be watching closely to see what wise advice he offers on 'Lee Sook-camp' in the coming period.

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*This content was translated by AI.