[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Eun-young] Due to consecutive school violence (hakppok) allegations, the recording of actor Jo Byung-gyu's new variety show 'Comeback Home' has been postponed. Some viewers have also protested against 'Hangout with Yoo,' which aired Jo's appearance without any edits.
On the 20th, MBC's 'Hangout with Yoo?' aired the second story of '2021 Living Together.'
Jo Byung-gyu appeared in the broadcast without any edits.
The viewer message boards showed polarized reactions to Jo's appearance.
Some netizens expressed outrage, saying, "Are you going to put someone involved in school violence controversy on a weekend variety show?", "How can they air it without editing?", and "I don't want to see Jo Byung-gyu amid the school violence controversy."
However, there were also many responses defending him, such as "How can they edit it when the conclusion hasn't been reached?", "Jo Byung-gyu himself said he is innocent, so why edit?", and "Editing the broadcast based on mere allegations is unreasonable."
After the MBC show "Hangout with Yoo?" aired on the 20th, the viewer board was filled with heated debates among viewers regarding Mr. Jo, who was accused of school violence. / Photo by "Hangout with Yoo?" viewer opinion board capture
Earlier, on the 16th, Jo Byung-gyu was embroiled in a 'school violence' controversy when a netizen claimed to have been bullied by him during his study abroad in New Zealand. Jo's side denied the allegations, calling them "groundless," but another netizen fueled the controversy by claiming, "Jo Byung-gyu was known as a so-called delinquent or a bad friend during elementary and middle school."
Jo's agency announced a strong response, stating, "We have started legal action through lawyers," but on the 21st, the alleged victim posted on a dedicated SNS for disclosures, saying, "I need someone to advise me on Korean legal matters. If it goes to a lawsuit, I need other victims to join me."
Amid the series of school violence allegations, the recording of KBS2's new variety show 'Comeback Home,' which had raised expectations with Jo Byung-gyu's confirmed appearance, was postponed.
'Comeback Home' is a reality variety show where stars return to their first home in Seoul where they started their unfamiliar city life, supporting and encouraging the dreams of the youth currently living there. The participation of Yoo Jae-suk and Jo Byung-gyu had been a major topic of interest.
The production team of 'Comeback Home' explained the delay in recording by saying, "The program title was confirmed later than expected, so the schedule was naturally postponed."
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