Jang Hang-jun's past jokes about Jung Jun-won resurface amid attitude controversy

As actor Jung Jun-won faces an attitude controversy following his appearance on the MBC variety show 'Hangout with Yoo', director Jang Hang-jun's past joking remarks are drawing renewed attention.

Recently, a video from the YouTube channel 'VIVO TV' released last year has been resurfacing across online communities and SNS.

The scene in question is from the episode titled 'Seesaw Entertainment Chaos Content Competition, Where Shouting and Slander Run Wild.' During that episode, director Jang Hang-jun had an impromptu phone call with Jung Jun-won at the suggestion of actor Bae Je-gi.

During the call, Jung Jun-won first greeted him by saying, "I auditioned for your work, Director." When Song Eun-i asked, "Did you not make it?", Jung Jun-won replied, "No," which drew laughter.

However, Jang could not easily recognize Jung from his voice alone.

Bae Je-gi explained, "After failing the director's audition, he came to my house feeling upset and drank a lot. That friend has now become a rising star," which finally allowed Jang to realize the caller was Jung Jun-won.

Following this, Jang said, "I remember now," before jokingly adding in his characteristic playful tone, "That fellow was a bit lacking in manners. He was rude."

As the cast reacted with surprise to the sudden remark, Song Eun-i immediately smoothed things over, saying, "The director is just saying this to be funny, so I hope no one misunderstands." Jang also laughed and continued the conversation, easing the atmosphere.

At the time, the remark was accepted as a situational gag for variety show humor, but as Jung has recently been embroiled in an attitude controversy following his appearance on 'Hangout with Yoo', the scene is being discussed online once again.

Jung appeared alongside actress Gong Hyo-jin on the episode of 'Hangout with Yoo' broadcast on the 1st. As he appeared somewhat nervous and cautious during the broadcast, some viewers reacted by saying, "He looked awkward because of his lack of variety show experience," while others pointed out, "He was too passive for an appearance meant for promotion" and "Regardless of his personality, his lack of proactiveness was disappointing."

However, some suggest caution should be exercised in directly linking the current controversy to Jang's past remarks, given they were jokes made within the specific atmosphere of a variety show.