*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Actor Gong Hyung-jin is facing significant backlash for his hosting, which included rude remarks toward musical actress Cha Ji-yeon, with critics comparing his approach to that of broadcaster Lee Hwi-jae.
Recently, on the online platform OnLINE, public opinion has continued to criticize Gong Hyung-jin's rude hosting style, with comments such as "Why is he like that? Does he have an inferiority complex?", "Is being a senior his greatest achievement?", "One should be careful in formal settings", "Does he think this kind of behavior is funny and witty?", "He remains the same as ever", and "I don't want to keep watching."
Gong Hyung-jin served as MC alongside Cha Ji-yeon at the "70th Anniversary EBS Homecoming Day" held on the 17th at Seoul Hanyang University, but controversy arose due to his hosting, which was considered so rude that it would be uncomfortable for viewers.
At the time, on stage, Gong Hyung-jin demanded that Cha Ji-yeon, who had bowed 90 degrees and greeted him with "Hello, senior," say, "Since you are a senior, greet me again." Additionally, when Cha Ji-yeon hosted energetically with her fists clenched, Gong Hyung-jin said, "Are you about to hit someone?" while scanning her from head to toe. Not stopping there, Gong Hyung-jin also commented on Cha Ji-yeon's stage presence by saying, "Why are you acting? Just do it as you normally would."

In response to the controversy, Gong Hyung-jin's agency, KHeart Entertainment, explained, "During the hosting of the recent EBS 70th Anniversary commemorative event stage, Gong Hyung-jin spoke to junior actress Cha Ji-yeon, with whom he has a close relationship, with the intention of telling her not to be nervous on site and to participate comfortably. There was no intent to make the other person uncomfortable or displeased."
The agency added, "However, we regret that misunderstandings and controversy arose because the dialogue and expressions exchanged on site were conveyed differently from their original intent." They stated, "We have already expressed our apology to junior Cha Ji-yeon's side, and we apologize once again to everyone who felt uncomfortable." The agency also noted, "We will strive to be more cautious in our public words and actions in the future."

Nevertheless, many members of the public stated that Gong Hyung-jin's remarks, which failed to distinguish between formal and informal settings, caused discomfort for viewers, comparing his hosting style to that of Lee Hwi-jae. This is because Lee Hwi-jae has also served as MC for various broadcasts and award ceremonies, displaying a hosting style where he pressures and teases the other party. Lee Hwi-jae has frequently created uncomfortable atmospheres that leave viewers puzzled by playing harsh pranks on various people under the pretext of their close relationship.
Although Lee Hwi-jae appeared on KBS 2TV's variety program 'Immortal Songs' in March, marking his return to broadcasting after four years, his comeback has become difficult as the public's negative perception of him remains unresolved.
The biggest failure in the hosting styles of Gong Hyung-jin and Lee Hwi-jae is that they are "outdated." The attempt to wield authority arbitrarily as a senior, the habit of expressing the same words sarcastically, and self-absorbed behavior have long been recognized as "bossy actions" and have become obsolete.
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*This content was translated by AI.View Original

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