Jeon Hyeonmu: "I was scared because I had no one to bond with"

Entertainer Jeon Hyeonmu reflects on his 16-year connection with actor Lee Joon, opening up about the unfamiliar emotions and interpersonal struggles he felt in the broadcasting industry during his early career. Jeon, who has since established himself as an unrivaled host dominating various variety shows, has drawn attention by recalling that he once struggled to approach fellow celebrities and "was scared of everyone."

In the first episode of MBN's 'This Is Hyunmoo Road,' which premieres on the 20th at 10:30 PM, Jeon and Lee meet in Da Nang, Vietnam, to embark on a full-scale local immersion trip.

'This Is Hyunmoo Road' features Jeon traveling with a companion—his so-called "Hyunmoo girlfriend"—seeking out local living spaces, food, and scenery through hands-on travel rather than following fixed tourist courses. With Da Nang chosen as the first destination, the long-standing connection between Jeon and Lee creates unique chemistry from the very start of the program.

Arriving in Da Nang first, Jeon enjoys the atmosphere by spending time alone at a night market frequented by locals. Lee, who discovers Jeon naturally blending in among the locals, remarks as soon as he sees him, "There is absolutely no sense of being out of place."

Jeon cheekily responds, "Don't I look like a Vietnamese middle-aged man?", joking about how he has completely melted into the local atmosphere. Lee replies, "It feels strange seeing you here," revealing the comfortable rapport between the two.

A further point of laughter occurs during their reunion when Jeon checks the luggage of Lee, who appeared with only a single backpack.

When Jeon asks, "You came like this? Where is your suitcase?", Lee confidently reveals the contents of his bag, saying, "I still have quite a lot of clothes." However, the items actually produced are merely socks, underwear, three white T-shirts, and the pants he is wearing.

Upon checking the luggage, Jeon is surprised, asking, "No other pants?", while Lee draws laughter by replying, "It's because I don't sweat on my lower body." It is a scene that naturally contrasts the extreme travel styles of Jeon, who packs multiple sets of clothes, and Lee, who travels with minimal luggage.

The difference in their personalities is evident not only in their travel methods but also in their conversation. While riding in a taxi to their accommodation, the two begin to reminisce about their past connection.

Recalling his appearance on the program 'Star Golden Bell' 16 years ago, Lee said, "We went to the same hair shop when we did 'Star Golden Bell'." He continued, "I remember you were the one who spoke to me first back then, saying, 'Joon, I go to the same shop as you.'"

While it remained a long-held memory for Lee, the reason why Jeon spoke to him first was unexpected.

Jeon honestly confesses, "I did that to get close. At that time, there were no celebrities I could bond with. Everyone was just scary."

It is a confession that is difficult to imagine when thinking of the current Jeon. While he is active as a host for various programs across terrestrial, general programming, cable, and OTT platforms—showing unique sociability and wit—it seems even he found it difficult to form relationships among unfamiliar colleagues while first establishing himself in the industry.

In particular, the connection between Jeon and Lee is even more interesting considering their current status. At that time, it began at the intersection of appearing on the same program and using the same hair salon, but 16 years later, they have met again as companions on a variety show traveling abroad together.

Through his long broadcasting career, Jeon has expanded his territory as an entertainer beyond the image of an announcer-turned-host. Starting as a KBS announcer, he established himself as a prolific MC in various variety shows after becoming a freelancer, showcasing his quick-wittedness and hosting abilities.

Lee also expanded his field of activity into acting after debuting in the entertainment industry as a member of the idol group MBLAQ. He built an acting career moving between dramas and films, and in variety shows, he has shown a different charm through his relatively understated way of speaking and unique lifestyle habits.

The core of the relationship shown by the two in this trip is not just the fact of their "old friendship," but the change in their positions and the texture of their relationship over time. One has been active as a central host in the broadcasting industry for a long time, while the other has built his own domain as an actor. A relationship that started from the minor commonality of visiting the same hair salon has now evolved into traveling together overseas.

Furthermore, the fact that Jeon directly mentioned his past of having "no celebrities to bond with" is drawing interest. While meeting people and building relationships seems routine in the industry, the competitive nature of the entertainment world can make forming connections with colleagues a significant psychological burden during the early stages of a debut.

In that sense, the fact that Jeon spoke to Lee first carries more meaning than a simple anecdote. It was a moment when the man who would become the familiar entertainer Jeon Hyeonmu was searching for a connection in an unfamiliar broadcasting environment.

'This Is Hyunmoo Road' is expected to reveal not only the chaotic adventures during their trip but also the relationship accumulated over 16 years and their contrasting personalities. Interest is mounting to see what kind of chemistry Jeon and Lee will create in Da Nang, from the way they pack their bags to their memories of how they used to treat people.