Actor Jung Jun-won. [Company On]
Actor Jung Jun-won. [Company On]

Actor Jung Jun-won has addressed the "attitude controversy" that erupted after his appearance on a variety show.

Speaking at a wrap-up interview for the MBC Friday-Saturday drama series "A Bona Fide Killer" held Monday morning at a cafe in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Jung was asked about the backlash he faced during his appearance on the variety show "Hangout with Yoo." He said he found the situation "regrettable."

"I was a regular viewer of 'Hangout with Yoo,' but I don't have much experience with improvisational variety shows, so I think I got very nervous," he said. "I appeared to promote a project and had this strong feeling that I had to do well — then I suddenly 'broke down.' My mind went blank and I couldn't do anything. I find that really regrettable."

Jung added that he was so tense he can barely remember the day. "My stomach was churning the whole time," he said. "I apologized to my sunbae on set that day, and both Yoo Jae-suk and Gong Hyo-jin told me not to worry."

He said he hoped to do better if given another opportunity. "Now that I have the experience, I think I need to make sure I don't repeat the same mistake," he said. "If I get another chance, I'd like to make it up."

Jung had appeared on the MBC variety show "Hangout with Yoo" alongside Gong Hyo-jin on Aug. 1, visibly overwhelmed by the unfamiliar variety show environment.

The "Hangout with Yoo" team tried to keep the broadcast going by asking Jung to perform situational acting and other tasks, but he struggled to keep up with the flow and was seen closing his eyes at times. After the episode aired, criticism mounted that his attitude had been half-hearted, and fellow guests Gong Hyo-jin and HaHa both stepped forward to defend him.

Gong had previously shared in an interview that Jung had been so nervous after filming that he vomited.

Meanwhile, "A Bona Fide Killer," based on a webtoon of the same name, follows a working mother with the world's most dangerous job as she struggles to maintain work-life balance. The drama series concluded its run Saturday.


yeonjoo7@heraldcorp.com