Jeon Hyun-moo. [Newsis]
Jeon Hyun-moo. [Newsis]

Broadcaster Jeon Hyun-moo has drawn attention after revealing that a former partner's obsessive behavior and excessive control once led him to cut off contact with his friends.

Jeon shared the experience on episode 5 of the MBN and SBS Plus program "Naega Mannan Saikopaesu," a show examining psychopathic behavior, titled "Discovery of Romance" and set to air Sunday. The episode focuses on how psychopaths use the guise of love to manipulate their partners psychologically.

The disclosure has attracted particular interest given that Jeon has had several high-profile public relationships over the years.

After hearing an expert explain how psychopaths disguise control as affection, Jeon said, "That person was me."

He described having to make video calls no matter where he went and being required to introduce his friends one by one for verification — a situation that ultimately cost him those friendships. "After we broke up, the thing I heard most was, 'Hyun-moo, welcome back,'" he said.

Jeon grew visibly emotional while listening to accounts from victims of psychopathic partners. "Speaking as someone who has been through it — that is not love," he said firmly.

Meanwhile, the episode also features criminal psychologist and statement analyst Kim Mi-young, who personally investigated convicted killers Kang Ho-soon, Oh Won-chun and Kim Gil-tae. Kim explains the psychology behind psychopathic behavior and gaslighting tactics, and singles out Jeon among the cast as the person most likely to have the traits of a con artist.


jshan@heraldcorp.com