MC faces 3 billion won in taxes, guest embroiled in privacy scandal: 'Whenever possible' controversy.. Yoo Yeon-seok and Hwang Jung-min proceed with variety show despite furrowed brows [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

"Whenever Possible" continues to face controversy.

The production team of SBS variety show "Whenever Possible" confirmed on the 5th that the first episode of the new season will air on the 11th and released a preview for the first episode.

The highly anticipated first-episode guests were none other than Hwang Jung-min and Jeong Ho-yeon, stars of the film "Hope." However, Hwang Jung-min is currently at the center of controversy due to an unpleasant privacy scandal. On this day when Hwang Jung-min was announced as a guest, new allegations from whistleblower A emerged, causing another public uproar.

Despite this, the production team promoted Hwang Jung-min's appearance, drawing criticism from the public. Although Hwang Jung-min has firmly denied all allegations, his name being linked to inappropriate controversies led to continued negative perceptions regarding his variety show participation.

Netizens reacted to the decision to proceed with the episode without editing: "Why release a preview like this in the current situation for marketing?", "Even if it was recorded earlier, is it appropriate to air now given the circumstances?", and "Why at this particular time?" among other responses.

Adding to the difficulties, MC Yoo Yeon-seok also became embroiled in controversy over tax issues on this day, causing "Whenever Possible" to face challenges even before its first broadcast.

Yoo Yeon-seok has been active through his one-person production company, Forever Entertainment, which he established. However, the National Tax Service determined that the corporation did not support actual entertainment activities and imposed taxes in the range of 6 billion won last year. Yoo Yeon-seok contested this notification from the National Tax Service, requesting a pre-assessment review in January last year, resulting in partial recognition of double taxation and reducing the additional tax amount to approximately 3 billion won.

Subsequently, after paying the full amount, Yoo Yeon-seok contested the National Tax Service's assessment and filed for a tax review regarding the 3 billion won tax liability. However, the Tax Review Board recently rejected this request.

When this fact was revealed late on the 5th, Yoo Yeon-seok's agency, King Kong by Starship, issued an official statement: "This matter stems from differences in interpretation and application of tax law, and relevant procedures have not yet been fully concluded." They added, "We are carefully reviewing the factual circumstances and legal issues. We will respond diligently according to procedures stipulated by relevant laws and regulations as necessary. Yoo Yeon-seok has fulfilled his tax obligations faithfully thus far. Moving forward, he will approach related procedures with a responsible attitude."

With controversial actors such as Yoo Yeon-seok and Hwang Jung-min featured, "Whenever Possible" will return for its new season on the 11th at 9 p.m., promising to bring healing variety entertainment that offers "even stronger life-oriented humor and emotion." Whether the production team's confidence in this promise will resonate with viewers remains uncertain.

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*This content was translated by AI.