‘I Live Alone’ Issues Apology Over Jun Hyun-moo’s ‘Impromptu Trip’ Controversy: “Staff Tickets Were Booked in Advance”

Filming Supported by Almaty Tourism Department

Admission of Oversight in Rental Car Notarization Process

'I Live Alone' broadcast screen. MBC

The production team of the MBC variety show 'I Live Alone' has issued an apology regarding the controversy surrounding Jun Hyunmoo's 'impromptu trip' to Kazakhstan. On September 4th, the production staff explained that although Jun Hyunmoo chose his travel destination and purchased his ticket on the day of departure, the team had already booked airline tickets for the staff heading to Kazakhstan and requested local filming cooperation in advance to prepare for filming.

The controversy arose after the broadcast on August 14th, which showed Jun Hyunmoo arriving at Incheon Airport, deciding on Kazakhstan as his destination, and purchasing an airline ticket. Viewers questioned whether it was truly possible to film abroad with no prior preparation.

The production team explained, "'Impromptu trip,' as used in the broadcast, was an expression referring to Jun Hyunmoo's personal travel style." They clarified that Jun Hyunmoo did not select his destination or ticket in advance but checked available flights for that day and then decided on his travel destination. They added, "Jun Hyunmoo purchased his ticket to Kazakhstan directly at the airport."

The filming crew made separate preparations in case overseas filming became possible. After reviewing which countries could be reached within the limited time and considering Jun Hyunmoo's interests and available flights, they determined that Kazakhstan was the most likely destination. Therefore, they secured airline tickets for staff in advance to enable immediate filming upon arrival if necessary.

If Jun Hyunmoo had chosen a different country or was unable to secure a seat to Kazakhstan, the staff tickets would have been canceled. The production team stated, "Any unforeseen circumstances arising from that process would have been naturally incorporated as part of the journey."

However, the staff acknowledged there was a disconnect between the production process and the impression conveyed in the broadcast. They said, "While emphasizing the idea of an 'impromptu trip,' we failed to adequately consider that it could be interpreted as though every part of the trip and filming occurred without any prior preparation."

The team also clarified information regarding support from the Almaty Tourism Authority. They stated, "We received cooperation from the tourism authority for the administrative procedures required for overseas filming and for support during on-site production." They explained that their earlier statement of 'no support' referred specifically to not receiving monetary sponsorship or production funding. They apologized for potentially causing confusion by making it seem as though there had been no administrative or filming support whatsoever.

The production staff further admitted they had failed to properly check local regulations when using a rental car. Jun Hyunmoo reserved a car at Incheon Airport, and after following guidance from a local company in Kazakhstan, submitted copies of his passport and international driving permit to receive the vehicle.

However, after viewers raised concerns about insufficient documentation following the broadcast, the team checked with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Kazakhstan and learned that an additional notarization procedure at the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Korea was required to rent a car locally. The production team stated, "It was an oversight on our part for not thoroughly examining local laws."

They also apologized for the delayed release of their statement. The team explained that they postponed providing clarification because they believed that revealing detailed production processes for a reality program might undermine its realism and immersion. They added, "We became overly focused on maintaining realism and immersion in the program and thus did not adequately explain the actual filming process," and concluded, "We will reflect on our methods and attitudes from the ground up and strive to produce broadcasts with greater care moving forward."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.