Jang Sung-kyu's "Are you left-wing?" remark to Choo Shin-soo sparks controversy
"An overstep during the impeachment crisis"... Viewers flood with criticism
When Choo Shin-soo revealed that he "always puts on clothes and shoes starting from the left side," Jang Sung-kyu asked, "Are you left-wing?" KBS 'SechaJANG'
With the impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk-yeol scheduled, announcer-turned-broadcaster Jang Sung-kyu (41) is facing backlash for making a politically sensitive joke on a variety show.
On the 16th, the first episode of KBS's new variety program ‘Car Wash JANG’ aired, featuring Jang Sung-kyu and trot singer Jang Min-ho welcoming guests at a car wash located in Paju, Gyeonggi Province.
The highlight of the day was a reserved guest named ‘Gochu’ (meaning chili pepper). Jang Sung-kyu asked, “What kind of gochu could it be? A small gochu?” to which Jang Min-ho replied, “It makes me think of either a large chili pepper field or a chili pepper lady.” Then Jang Sung-kyu continued with a risqu? comment, “KBS is trying to follow the trend these days, so with a YouTube vibe, we might actually talk about gochu. The epitome of gochu: the sperm king, the gochu king.” Jang Min-ho expressed discomfort, saying, “Do something about this guy.”
Later, the identity of ‘Gochu’ was revealed to be baseball player Choo Shin-soo, and Jang Sung-kyu and Jang Min-ho examined Choo’s car while chatting. At that moment, Jang Sung-kyu asked Choo, “Don’t athletes have routines?” Choo answered, “There are a lot. I go to the baseball stadium early to complete my routines. I put on clothes and shoes starting from the left side.”
After Jang Sung-kyu's remark, "Are you left-wing?", Jang Min-ho is offering an apology to Choo Shin-soo. KBS 'SechaJANG'
Then, Jang Sung-kyu abruptly asked Choo, “Are you left-wing?” Choo waved his hands, unable to hide his embarrassment. Jang Min-ho, standing nearby, hurriedly apologized, saying, “This is our first broadcast today, sorry.” Choo quickly clarified, “I’m left-handed, so I think that’s why.”
Following the broadcast, Jang Sung-kyu’s remarks drew criticism from viewers. Many pointed out that his comments were “inappropriate during the impeachment political climate.” Comments included: “Such jokes in this situation,” “Suddenly asking if he’s left-wing? Shocking,” “Is that supposed to be funny?” “Wasn’t there a staff disparagement controversy just recently?” “How many controversies has Jang Sung-kyu had now?” “He should know better by now,” “The king of rudeness,” and more.
This is not the first time Jang Sung-kyu has been criticized for crossing the line. On the 29th of last month, on the YouTube channel ‘Workman,’ after hearing that a dog model’s fee was 10 million won per day, he pointed his finger at the staff and said, “Really? You guys are worse than dogs,” sparking a staff disparagement controversy. On the 8th, he appeared on SBS’s ‘My Ugly Duckling’ and shared stories about a bathroom accident in front of his wife and about vasectomy, which also drew criticism from some viewers.
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