Jun Hyun-moo’s “Spontaneous Trip” to Face Review as Allegations of Staging on “I Live Alone” Spread

[Financial News] Jun Hyun-moo’s Kazakhstan travel episode of Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC)’s entertainment program “I Live Alone” has been placed under review by the Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC). The move follows allegations that the purportedly “spontaneous trip” was staged, along with controversy over his qualifications to drive locally.
According to Sports Kyunghyang on the 3rd, the KCSC plans to begin an official review after examining a broadcasting-related complaint recently filed over the “I Live Alone” episode featuring a trip to Almaty.
The controversial scenes appeared in episodes that aired on the 14th and 21st of last month. Jun Hyun-moo was shown choosing a destination after looking at an airport display board, then renting a car and driving himself in Kazakhstan. After the episodes aired, questions were raised about an alleged mismatch between the actual filming time and the time the flight tickets were purchased, as well as about his legal eligibility to drive in Kazakhstan.

Viewers asked the KCSC, through their complaints, to verify the time the flight tickets were first issued, whether Almaty City’s tourism authorities had been contacted in advance, and the legal documents submitted when the rental car was hired. Under local regulations, it was reported that a Korean international driving permit alone is insufficient and that the original driver’s license and a notarized Russian translation are required.

In connection with the issue, MBC’s production team acknowledged on the 25th of last month that it had contacted the embassy after the controversy emerged, stating, "After the broadcast, we belatedly confirmed that notarization was required to use a rental car locally."
The production team’s changing position regarding sponsorship also became controversial. After Almaty City announced on its official website that it had supported the filming, MBC revised its earlier explanation. MBC stated, "Although there was no financial support, we received assistance with the administrative procedures required for filming locally and cooperation with on-site filming."


[email protected] Han Seung-gon Reporter