"Staged Gos-top?".. Jeon Hyun-moo's Kazakhstan Controversy as 'I Live Alone' Travel Promotion Backfires

*This content was translated by AI.

'I Live Alone' is facing criticism for posting a travel tour-related message amid ongoing controversy surrounding Jeon Hyun-moo's trip to Kazakhstan.

A post titled "Recruiting Tourists for Travel Tours" appeared on the official SNS of MBC variety program 'I Live Alone'.

The post read: "This Friday, the 4th, wherever you can watch TV, all people on Earth, and those who want to experience the epitome of planned travel. Housewife Shin-young has left her home. Follow this trip according to her own routine. Do not miss it."

As controversy over Jeon Hyun-moo's fabricated impromptu trip to Kazakhstan continues, the program teased an episode featuring Shin-young's planned trip, drawing frowns from viewers.

Viewers responded with criticism such as "Don't claim it's an impromptu travel concept anymore," "Did Shin-young really plan and leave?", "Are you deceiving viewers without even issuing an apology?" and "Is this a staged Gos-top game?"

Previously, on the 14th of last month, MBC variety program 'I Live Alone' aired Jeon Hyun-moo's impromptu travelogue to Kazakhstan. However, following the broadcast, suspicions arose that parts of the travel process were fabricated, sparking controversy. The broadcast showed Jeon Hyun-moo taking a two-day holiday, deciding on a destination spontaneously at the airport, purchasing a plane ticket on-site, and departing.

However, concerns were raised that not only Jeon Hyun-moo but also numerous staff members purchased flight tickets simultaneously, and that while notarization procedures are reportedly required to rent a car in Kazakhstan, the process was completed in about 40 minutes, leading to suspicions that the trip had been pre-arranged.

In response, 'I Live Alone' issued a statement. Initially, the production team emphasized that Jeon Hyun-moo's trip unfolded exactly as shown on broadcast, explaining that they rented a vehicle by submitting an international driver's license and passport required by a local rental company just before departure. The team also stated, "We have not received any filming support or sponsorship related to the trip."

However, questions regarding the car rental process continued through local travelers, and the production team explained that they only recently confirmed via the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Kazakhstan that separate notarization procedures were indeed required.

Furthermore, doubts grew when it was revealed that Almaty City had introduced 'I Live Alone' on its official website. Although the production team had previously drawn a line by stating they received no filming support or sponsorship for this Kazakhstan trip, as the controversy persisted, they issued another statement on the 31st of last month.

The production team stated, "We did not receive any financial sponsorship or production funding from the Almaty City Tourism Office for the Kazakhstan broadcast," but then reversed their position by adding, "However, administrative procedures necessary for local filming and filming cooperation required for on-site progress were received, allowing us to proceed smoothly."

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.