Broadcaster Kian84. [Yonhap]
Broadcaster Kian84. [Yonhap]

Online reactions are divided over the hygiene habits of webtoon artist and broadcaster Kian84.

In the ninth episode of the Netflix variety show "Daehwanjang Kianjang 2," a reality program in which Kian84 runs a guesthouse with guests, Kian84, volleyball star Kim Yeon-koung and cast member Dex discussed hygiene while traveling to a restaurant together.

Kim brought up an incident in which Kian84 had passed gas in front of a group of people on the third night of the show. When Dex asked whether she had checked his underwear at the time, Kim said, "He had not changed his underwear for three days by then — I checked myself. And sure enough, he changed once after that day."

Kim also asked whether soldiers are required to wash regularly and maintain basic hygiene. Dex said that failing to do so is a violation of military law.

Kian84 said that being constantly told to wash up during his military service had made him reluctant to do so in civilian life.

Kim said she had long wondered about his habits, saying she could never understand why he would go straight to bed and lie on his pillow while still sweaty.

Kian84 pushed back, saying that being told to wash reminded him of that trauma. "It is because of officers like you that I developed a rebellious streak," he said. "Why do you keep telling me to wash? I will wash when I want to."

When Kim asked whether that was precisely why he avoided washing, Kian84 said, "I do wash — on my own schedule."

This is not the first time Kian84's unconventional approach to hygiene has drawn attention.

In 2024, he revealed on his YouTube channel "Insaeng84" that he wears clothes at least four to seven times before washing them.

He also said he uses a towel about three times after washing his hair before repurposing it as a kitchen rag when eating soup. "There is a sense of satisfaction in blowing your nose with a towel you have used three times," he said. "That is staying true to your roots."

Earlier, on MBC's "I Live Alone," he was shown blowing his nose into a towel and then using the same towel to wipe wet sneakers. At the time, he offered his own logic: "If it is dirty, it is a rag. If it is clean, it is a towel."

Online reactions were mixed. Some said his habits showed a lack of consideration for fellow cast members and guests, going beyond a matter of personal lifestyle. Others found his unfiltered honesty amusing, with comments such as "His raw, unpolished side is funny" and "You have to watch a variety show as a variety show."

"Daehwanjang Kianjang 2" is a reality show in which Kian84 runs a guesthouse and lives alongside various guests.


min3654@heraldcorp.com