A comment tossed out to be funny can hurt someone. Even a joke premised on familiarity, the moment it belittles the other person, laughter turns into discomfort. Actor Kong Hyung-jin has been embroiled in controversy over his words and actions toward junior Cha Ji-yeon, and the past hosting style of broadcaster Lee Hwi-jae is being raised again. Critics say that as times have changed, the way we create laughter must change as well.
Kong Hyung-jin on the 17th served as a co-host with musical actress Cha Ji-yeon for the special performance at the Far East Broadcasting Company homecoming day commemorating the station’s 70th anniversary held at Hanyang University in Seoul.
The problem flared up immediately after the two took the stage. When Cha Ji-yeon greeted him saying “Hello, senior,” Kong Hyung-jin demanded, “Because you’re a senior, greet me once more.” Cha Ji-yeon bowed again, and Kong Hyung-jin repeatedly emphasized her position as a senior afterward.
When Cha Ji-yeon’s photo and name appeared on the screen behind the stage, he said, “Why isn’t my photo there? I’m a much earlier senior than her,” and during the hosting he used informal speech, saying, “Why are you acting? Do it like you normally do.” When Cha Ji-yeon began to sing, he shouted “Cut, cut,” interrupting the flow. He also drew attention by saying, “This was originally my line but she did it herself. But since Cha Ji-yeon is the lead today, I’ll let it slide,” when she continued with lines.
For Kong Hyung-jin, the intention may have been to create a relaxed atmosphere with a junior he is close to. However, repeatedly asserting seniority and using informal speech and remarks close to rebukes toward co-host Cha Ji-yeon at an official event left discomfort.
As the controversy spread, Kong Hyung-jin’s side eventually apologized. They explained that the remarks were made with the intention of telling junior actor Cha Ji-yeon, with whom he is usually close, not to be nervous and to be comfortable on site, and that there was no intention to embarrass or offend her. They added that they had already expressed apologies to Cha Ji-yeon’s side and said, “Even if words are offered in a friendly atmosphere, in a public event consideration for the other party should come first, and we take that seriously.” They also promised to be more cautious in future public remarks and behavior.
Even so, this controversy prompts a reflection beyond a simple slip of the tongue, reaching back to the long-standing hosting practices in broadcasting. Among some netizens, Lee Hwi-jae’s past hosting attitude was particularly recalled. Lee Hwi-jae has also been criticized in the past for rude, mischievous jokes and sharp remarks toward fellow entertainers on variety shows and award ceremonies. Using situations that embarrass the other person or put them on the spot as fodder for laughter made viewers uncomfortable.
Of course, one cannot equate the individual remarks or circumstances of Kong Hyung-jin and Lee Hwi-jae. But the reason their hosting is compared is clear: both share the characteristic of using situations that put the other person in an awkward position as a device for laughter.
At one time on broadcasts, seniors pressing juniors or hosts persistently probing a guest’s weaknesses were consumed as <a href="https://comicvibe.com/jay-z-u2-and-star-wars-headline-nfls-next-big-entertainment-events/” title=”Jay-Z, U2 and ‘Star Wars' headline NFL's next big entertainment events”>entertainment. But now, many viewers do not automatically accept such scenes as harmless fun. The explanation that it is okay because they are close does not justify everything. There is no guarantee that jokes that work in private will work on a public stage. Moreover, if the situation is one where the other person is expected to laugh it off simply because they are a junior, it is necessary to consider whether that was truly a joke that delighted everyone.
In this context, national MC Yu Jae-seok’s hosting style stands out as a contrasting example. Yu Jae-seok also teases guests and makes mischievous jokes. But he gauges the other person’s reaction, adjusts the atmosphere when the situation could be uncomfortable, and has long been loved for hosting that naturally draws out the guest’s charm. The key is not whether someone teases another person. It is whether the joke is meant to make the subject laugh together or to make the subject the butt of the joke.
A host’s skill does not come from displaying their seniority or authority. True hosting ability lies in helping the person on stage perform comfortably in their role, and in creating laughter while preserving the other person’s dignity even in unexpected situations.
Lee Hwi-jae recently resumed broadcasting activities after about four years by participating in a recording of KBS2’s Immortal Songs. However, with the comeback came renewed mentions of his past broadcasting attitude, and public opinion remains divided. The fact that past words and actions affect evaluation even after a long hiatus carries significance for broadcasters. Kong Hyung-jin also apologized over this controversy and said he would reflect on his words and actions. What matters is what comes after the apology. If discomfort was caused despite intentions, it is necessary to understand why that reaction occurred and change communication methods to fit the changed broadcasting environment.
Laughter also changes with the times. The practice of cornering juniors because they are seniors and belittling others to liven the atmosphere is no longer an accepted formula for entertainment. Laughter that elevates the people involved lasts longer than laughter produced by putting someone down. The reason Kong Hyung-jin’s so-called “old-school host” controversy even summons up Lee Hwi-jae’s past comes down to this. What broadcasters need now is not authority based on seniority or recognition, but a new sensibility for creating laughter and respecting others.
[Photo] OSEN DB, broadcast screen capture
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