Defconn Reveals Heartwarming Story Behind Kim Joo-hyuk's Departure from '2 Days & 1 Night'

Broadcaster Defconn has touched hearts by sharing a touching story about the late Kim Joo-hyuk and his deep affection for the show '2 Days & 1 Night'.

On the 5th, Defconn uploaded a video on his YouTube channel, 'Defconn TV', showing him visiting Kim Joo-hyuk's grave.

In the video, Defconn recalled the behind-the-scenes story of Kim Joo-hyuk's departure from the KBS variety show '2 Days & 1 Night'. He mentioned, "Around the time when Hyung (Kim Joo-hyuk) had been on '2 Days & 1 Night' for about a year and six months, I received a call from his agency representative." He continued, "They said, 'Joo-hyuk has to leave because he's joining a new project.'"

Kim Joo-hyuk apparently felt so apologetic that he couldn't directly tell the members himself. Defconn explained, "He said he couldn't bring himself to tell us because he felt sorry, so I called on his behalf." He added, "He initially agreed to only do it for a year, but he grew fond of the show and ended up staying for a year and six months."

While the principle is usually to respect a member's personal reasons for leaving, Defconn wanted to keep Kim Joo-hyuk on the show. "Normally, we wouldn't try to hold someone back, but I just felt it was a shame," he confessed, sharing his feelings at the time.

Defconn then revealed, "I told Hyung, 'Please stay and complete two years.'" This was a request that could have been difficult given the show's usual practices.

However, the late Kim Joo-hyuk agreed to this request. Defconn stated, "He really stayed and completed two years. It's actually quite remarkable." He further explained, "It's because he had such a great time, not just with us members, but with all the colleagues he worked with, that he extended his stay (by delaying his departure)," highlighting the late actor's profound loyalty and affection.

"I really felt he was a true older brother and was grateful," Defconn added. "If anyone could tell us to live our lives to the fullest, it would be Hyung. I have so many memories of him," he concluded, expressing his unwavering longing.

On this day, Defconn placed a can of beer at Kim Joo-hyuk's grave, reminiscing, "Hyung, you couldn't drink much. You really liked just one can of beer." Even amidst the rain, he removed his umbrella and hat to pay his respects, making the viewers' hearts ache.

The late Kim Joo-hyuk passed away in a tragic traffic accident on October 30, 2017, and is still remembered as the warm 'Gu-taengyi Hyung' by his colleagues, fans, and viewers of '2 Days & 1 Night'.

Kim Joo-hyuk was a fixed cast member of '2 Days & 1 Night' Season 3 from December 2016 to October 2017. During his time on the show, he endeared himself to viewers with his characteristic clumsy charm and sincere personality, earning the nickname 'Gu-taengyi Hyung' and leaving warm memories in the hearts of many. Although his departure was an unavoidable decision due to sudden project activities, he showed his utmost dedication until the end, driven by his deep affection for the program.