Broadcaster Ji Seok-jin revealed an anecdote about Yoo Jae-suk on KBS2's "Problematic Men in the Rooftop Room" on the 7th, expressing his affection for him. Photo by "Problematic Men in the Rooftop Room" broadcast capture
[Asia Economy Online Issue Team] Recently enjoying a second heyday, broadcaster Ji Seok-jin revealed anecdotes about 'Jodongari' member Yoo Jae-suk, expressing his affection for the members.
On the 7th, Ji Seok-jin appeared as a guest on KBS2's variety show 'Rooftop Room's Problem Children' (hereafter 'Okmunadeul'), which has recently been in the spotlight due to his activities with MSG Wannabe.
Ji Seok-jin, who appeared on 'Okmunadeul' after being contacted by Kim Yong-man, said, "I'm usually not the type to ask for favors like this. For the first time in 30 years, Yong-man asked me to appear. I originally declined because I had a fixed schedule on the recording day, but it kept weighing on my mind," showing a special friendship.
He previously made headlines by shedding tears on tvN's 'You Quiz on the Block' 30th anniversary broadcast. Ji Seok-jin said, "They suggested making a video letter, but I said, 'We don't do that.' I used to be someone who didn't cry, even making news about it. I realized I don't have tears for sadness, but I do for happiness or emotion," he shared.
He continued, "We talked about shaking off the life of entertainers and having a peaceful time drinking the alcohol we couldn't drink after retirement with the Jodongari members, and suddenly our lives looked so happy. I don't want retirement to come quickly, but I hope the image of life after retirement comes soon." Jodongari is a private male celebrity group consisting of Yoo Jae-suk, Ji Seok-jin, Kim Yong-man, Park Soo-hong, and Kim Soo-yong.
Next, Ji Seok-jin mentioned the appearance rankings within 'Jodongari.' Ji Seok-jin confidently said, "I've never thought I was behind anyone. I basically set the standard. I'm number one." Kim Yong-man said, "I'm not number one, but I am number two. As times change, faces change too. Soo-yong was originally the stylish type." Ji Seok-jin also joked, "At the bottom is Jae-suk. Jae-suk has gotten much better now. It's the power of popularity," eliciting laughter.
Ji Seok-jin also confessed the story behind leaving 'Entertainment Weekly' following Yoo Jae-suk. Ji Seok-jin said, "When Jae-suk quit as a reporter, he said, 'It's better not to do this. If the reporter image gets stronger, you can't grow bigger later,' and it was very convincing," he began.
He continued, "After some thought, seeing Jae-suk quit gracefully, I told them I would quit too. As an entertainer interviewing another entertainer, it hurt my pride," he said. "The PD said, 'Are you crazy? Stop talking nonsense and go out for Kim Hye-soo's interview.' Seeing Kim Hye-soo made me feel even stronger about it," he added.
He then revealed, "Later I found out that Yoo Jae-suk didn't quit on his own but was cut due to live broadcast stage fright. He lied to me because of pride," he exposed. Ji Seok-jin expressed his affection for Yoo Jae-suk, saying, "Jae-suk overcoming that is amazing. It seems that hitting rock bottom gives you the strength to rise up."
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