Chaos on 'How Do You Play?' Post Lee Yi-kyung's Departure: Jung Joon-ha Calls Out Yoo Jae-suk's 'Favoritism'

Amidst the lingering disarray following actor Lee Yi-kyung's exit from the MBC variety show 'How Do You Play?', Jung Joon-ha has drawn attention by pointing out Yoo Jae-suk's perceived 'favoritism' towards his colleagues.

Last Sunday, the show featured a segment titled 'Club for Unpopular People' (Insamo), with guests including Jung Joon-ha, Han Sang-jin, Choi Hong-man, Kim Gwang-gyu, and Heo Kyung-hwan, delivering much laughter.

However, early in the broadcast, Jung Joon-ha expressed discomfort with fellow cast member Joo Woo-jae's demeanor. When Joo Woo-jae, while discussing 'Insamo', crossed his legs and stood on one leg, Yoo Jae-suk immediately interjected, saying, 'Standing like that isn't quite right, is it?' Joo Woo-jae promptly corrected his posture upon Yoo Jae-suk's remark.

This prompted Jung Joon-ha to voice his own frustrations, stating, 'Yeah, what is this while you're talking? I was going to point that out too.' Han Sang-jin also chimed in, 'Are you overdoing it just because you're popular?'

Jung Joon-ha then remarked, 'He's unpopular too,' referring to Joo Woo-jae. Yoo Jae-suk defended him, 'No, he's popular. He has a fandom, but he's just not famous.' Haha also added, 'He's quite popular.'

Jung Joon-ha feigned hurt at Yoo Jae-suk defending Joo Woo-jae, humorously lamenting, 'Look at him protecting his own. This is the most uncomfortable thing when you appear on someone else's show. They all huddle together. Yoo Jae-suk used to cover for me back in the day.' Yoo Jae-suk, flustered, tried to placate Jung Joon-ha by asking, 'Why are you calling it someone else's show?'

'How Do You Play?' has recently been embroiled in controversy surrounding Lee Yi-kyung's departure. Lee Yi-kyung had initially stated he was leaving due to schedule conflicts following a personal rumor incident, but later revealed he felt compelled to resign voluntarily due to the production team's suggestion, sparking debate.

Previously, on the November 15th broadcast, Yoo Jae-suk had explained, 'Lee Yi-kyung has worked hard with us for about three years. As many of you may know from the news, due to his extensive drama and film schedules, he had to step down after coordinating with the production team. He worked very hard.' The production team later issued a statement: 'Given the ongoing personal rumor incident involving Lee Yi-kyung, which has been amplified by the media, we determined it would be difficult to continue in a variety show format that requires weekly laughter. As Lee Yi-kyung mentioned, the production team first suggested his departure to his agency, and we informed them that we would respect their decision if they chose to publicize the departure recommendation. Subsequently, Lee Yi-kyung's agency contacted us stating he would voluntarily step down due to schedule conflicts. As the ones who initiated the suggestion, the production team felt it was a minimum courtesy to Lee Yi-kyung to ask the cast members to mention his voluntary departure due to schedules coordinated with his agency, and we conveyed this on air.'

Netizens watching the broadcast reacted with comments like 'Jung Joon-ha's honesty is hilarious,' 'Yoo Jae-suk must have felt misunderstood,' and 'The atmosphere is really strange after Lee Yi-kyung left,' finding Jung Joon-ha's blunt remarks amusing.