Direct Clarification on Departure Allegations
"It Was Reported, But No One Knew"
"To Focus on Acting Career"
Actor Joo Hyun-young parodied Mrs. Kim Geon-hee on the variety show 'SNL Korea.' Coupang Play 'SNL Korea'
Actress Joo Hyun-young addressed suspicions that her departure from Coupang Play's variety show 'SNL Korea' was related to First Lady Kim Keon-hee.
On the 9th, Joo Hyun-young appeared as a guest on the YouTube channel 'Studio Chikachika' in the segment 'Impersonation Queen Lee Su-ji.' When host Lee Su-ji said, "There are many fans who miss Hyun-young after her departure from 'SNL'," Joo replied, "Of course I watched it too. People around me send it to me as well," adding, "Actually, the senior crew members all said, 'We respect your decision and will continue to support you.'"
She continued, "Actually, when I left, my statement was published in an article, but many people don't know that," and emphasized, "Let me clarify. When I left 'SNL,' various aspects including the reason for my departure were reported in the news, so you can just trust that." Joo Hyun-young had been active on the program for a long time but announced last January that she would be leaving to focus on her main career as an actress.
Actor Joo Hyun-young clarified the allegations regarding her departure from 'SNL Korea.' YouTube channel 'Studio Chikachika'
However, due to allegations raised by a YouTuber, rumors spread online that "Joo Hyun-young's departure from 'SNL Korea' was because of her parody of First Lady Kim." In September, YouTuber SongjakgaTV (real name Song Myung-hoon) claimed, "'SNL Korea' features parodies of President Yoon Seok-youl and People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon, but not the First Lady. Joo Hyun-young appeared wearing a black suit as the First Lady, and it was really identical. 'SNL Korea' seized an opportunity for a 'teok-sang' (rapid rise) because of this, but after Coupang underwent several tax investigations, they completely removed Joo Hyun-young," he asserted.
Previously, Joo Hyun-young appeared on the program in December 2021 and January 2022 resembling the First Lady. Especially in the January broadcast, she satirized the First Lady's apology press conference by saying, "Compared to my husband, I am endlessly lacking. When I first met my husband, I thought he was a scary person because he was so blunt," which drew attention.
As the rumors spread, Joo Hyun-young's agency clarified by releasing a letter she sent to the production team, stating, "Joo Hyun-young's departure was decided last year." According to the letter, she expressed her determination for acting, saying, "Nothing is guaranteed, and it may be a choice with regrets, but I want to pioneer a new path that is less familiar, uncomfortable, and difficult." She also conveyed her gratitude, saying, "I thank everyone who gave me the opportunity to become an 'SNL' crew member when I had nothing."
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