Sung Yu-ri's 'Sung Yu-ri Edition' Ends Abruptly After 7 Months Amid Husband's Controversy and Slumping Sales

Singer and actress Sung Yu-ri has departed from her home shopping program 'Sung Yu-ri Edition,' just seven months after her comeback, amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding her husband, Ahn Sung-hyun.

On the 1st, Sung Yu-ri shared a short message on her personal channel, 'I will remember all the moments we spent together,' along with a clip from the GS Shop broadcast, effectively announcing the show's conclusion. Currently, 'Sung Yu-ri Edition' is no longer visible on the GS Shop official website or schedule, and related posts have been removed.

While it appears to be a standard season end on the surface, the program's brief run suggests a confluence of several factors. Primary among these is public sentiment. Sung Yu-ri's return to home shopping was far from universally welcomed, occurring shortly after her husband, Ahn Sung-hyun, was sentenced to 4 years and 6 months in prison in the first trial for charges related to soliciting bribes for coin listings and receiving money.

Although Ahn is the one facing legal repercussions, the entertainment and distribution industries often view family members as 'risks.' Indeed, since the comeback announcement, criticisms stating 'the timing is too soon' and calls for boycotts have consistently appeared on viewer forums and online communities.

Furthermore, 'sales performance,' crucial in home shopping, appears to have been a contributing factor. While neither GS Shop nor Sung Yu-ri's side has disclosed specific sales figures, the lack of frequent announcements regarding program replays or expanded scheduling, compared to the initial buzz, suggests sales did not meet expectations.

This situation can be interpreted as a lack of sufficient performance to justify weathering the public relations risks, alongside issues with strategy and image management. GS Shop has recently focused on programs featuring individuals with a seemingly 'calm' public image, such as 'Now, Back Ji-yeon' and 'So Yu-jin Show.' In this context, Sung Yu-ri's participation, which continues to divide public opinion, was naturally deprioritized.

For Sung Yu-ri, home shopping served as a 'bridgehead' for her comeback. Given her husband's trial and the public climate, it was a less demanding platform than returning to drama or film. It may have also been an attempt to build a more stable image while concurrently raising her twins.

Sung Yu-ri is currently active as an MC on the tvN variety show 'Going to the End.' While she has stepped away from home shopping, she has not ceased her broadcasting activities altogether. However, with her husband's legal proceedings not yet fully concluded, it is anticipated that further time will be needed before her return to acting.

Netizens expressed mixed reactions, with comments like 'So this is how it ends,' 'It's unfortunate, but the timing was really bad,' and 'Still, you worked hard.' Many conveyed sympathy, acknowledging that the controversy surrounding her husband significantly impacted her career.