‘Hangout With Yoo’ Shines Bright with Laughter Despite Lee Yi-kyung Controversy

MBC’s ‘Hangout With Yoo’ continues to deliver unwavering laughter, even following recent controversies involving member Lee Yi-kyung.

The episode aired on the 22nd featured the ‘Club of Unpopular People’ (Insamo) members' team-building workshop. This was the first broadcast after the program faced criticism surrounding Lee Yi-kyung’s personal life and alleged conflicts with the production team. Despite the circumstances, the show maintained its signature bright and cheerful tone, offering lighthearted entertainment.

During the broadcast, the ‘Insamo’ members embarked on a photoshoot concept based on the ‘airport departure’ scenes that popular stars often experience. As they posed for the cameras, the members playfully teased each other about their fashion choices, creating laughter. Notably, Choi Hong-man appeared with a massive bag customized to his large physique, drawing attention. Seeing a member struggling to carry it, Yoo Jae-suk quipped, "This must have felt like being in elementary school," eliciting further amusement.

Jung Joon-ha’s ‘angry moments’ also provided comedic relief. When Joo Woo-jae was speaking, Yoo Jae-seok pointed out his stance, saying, "Standing with one leg out doesn't seem right." Jung Joon-ha retorted, "Why point that out while I'm talking?" He then playfully complained to Yoo Jae-seok, "Look at him defending his own team. It's awkward when you're on someone else's show. They just whisper among themselves," livening up the atmosphere.

The recent ‘overpricing scandal’ involving Jung Joon-ha was also revisited. Following Heo Seong-tae’s revelation about being overcharged at a restaurant, Jung Joon-ha reiterated his innocence, stating, "I only recommended it; it was definitely not overpricing." When members playfully asked if he was being serious, he raised his voice, saying, "I have to be serious! They said I charged for something I didn't," adding self-deprecating humor about how reporters called him a "shameless merchant."

It was also revealed that Choi Hong-man’s ‘potential girlfriend’ visited the filming set. Yoo Jae-seok announced, "She came along today too." The members expressed surprise and laughter, remarking, "We’ve never seen a celebrity bring their potential girlfriend to a filming set before." Choi Hong-man cautiously explained, "She said she wanted to see me, so I made time for her."

This broadcast aired shortly after Lee Yi-kyung publicly addressed the accusations regarding his personal life and refuted claims of being pressured by the production team to leave the show and the ‘slurping noodles’ controversy. Lee Yi-kyung had previously expressed his disappointment on social media, stating he was asked to leave the show just one day after rumors surfaced, despite them being untrue. He also claimed the production team forced him to eat noodles in a particular way, causing significant controversy.

The production team had issued an apology, acknowledging their failure to protect the cast member and admitting fault in the noodle-eating direction. They explained that given the escalating rumors, they deemed it difficult for him to continue with the program due to its nature, which led to the suggestion of his departure.

Despite these recent events, the episode demonstrated a strong intention to minimize discomfort and regain the show’s original comedic pace.

Netizens commented, 'Even with the Lee Yi-kyung issue, the show is still funny,' 'Jung Joon-ha must have been really wronged about the overpricing,' and 'I burst out laughing when Choi Hong-man's potential girlfriend appeared.'