Jung Joon Won is drawing mixed reactions over his withdrawn demeanor during his first variety show appearance.
The actor appeared alongside Kong Hyo Jin on the August 1st episode of MBC’s Hangout With Yoo to promote their new drama A Bona Fide Killer. Based on the Kakao webtoon of the same name, the series follows a working mother with a deadly profession as she fights to maintain a work-life balance.
Jung admitted he was overwhelmed by the unfamiliar setting. “There’s so much going on. I feel like my head’s going blank,” he said.
Kong repeatedly came to his defense by noting that he was a “variety show rookie,” but even she joked, “The conversation just doesn’t flow,” drawing laughter from the cast.
The other members tried to ease his nerves with playful banter, but Jung continued to struggle to join in.
When the cast began arguing as part of the show’s fictional setup, Jung finally spoke up and asked, “Is all of this acting right now?”
Yoo Jae Suk shot back, “No, I’m the director!”
The exchange suggested Jung had not fully understood the episode’s premise, which cast him and Kong as actors filming a short-form drama.
The most talked-about moment came during an acting challenge in which the guests had to deliver the line “How old are you?” with different emotions.
When it was his turn, Jung appeared to freeze, moving his lips without making a sound. After Yoo tried to move things along, Jung insisted, “I can do it. I’ll try.” He was given another chance after Heo Kyung Hwan demonstrated the challenge, but Jung again remained silent and closed his eyes.
Haha jokingly pretended to throw his hat in frustration, while Yoo said, “Viewers are probably wondering when he’s finally going to speak. Let’s come back to him later.”
Kong ultimately stepped in and completed the challenge herself.
Following the broadcast, some viewers criticized Jung for appearing unprepared and disengaged.
“Wasn’t he there to promote his drama? He didn’t seem to be making any effort,” one viewer wrote. Others questioned how an actor could be unable to complete a simple acting challenge and suggested he should have prepared for the shoot in advance.
Others defended him, saying even a talented actor can completely freeze in an unfamiliar environment. “He was probably nervous around all those veteran entertainers,” one viewer commented. “Watching him tense up was actually funny.” Another added, “That’s completely understandable for someone who’s extremely introverted.”
Meanwhile, A Bona Fide Killer‘s second episode has already surpassed an 8% viewership rating after just two episodes, according to Nielsen Korea.
In the meantime, watch trending K-dramas for free on Amasian TV.
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