Jin Tae-hyun exits 'Divorce Camp' via subtitles as Lee Dong-gun joins
JTBC's 'Divorce Camp' undergoes an MC shakeup with Jin Tae-hyun's departure and Lee Dong-gun's arrival, sparking mixed reactions from viewers.
As JTBC variety show 'Divorce Camp' undergoes an MC shakeup, viewers are reacting to the departure of actor Jin Tae-hyun and the addition of Lee Dong-gun.
At the end of the 'Divorce Camp' episode broadcast on the 16th, news of Jin's departure was delivered via on-screen subtitles.
For approximately two years, Jin served as an investigator for the program, observing and empathizing with the conflicts of married couples. However, because the news was delivered only through subtitles without a formal farewell or parting remarks, some viewers expressed disappointment.
Jin had been praised for providing sincere advice and empathizing with participants' concerns, drawing from his own marriage to actress Park Si Eun.
The program will fill Jin's vacancy with actor Lee Dong-gun.
Lee is scheduled to join as a new MC starting with episode 93 on the 23rd, where he will join existing hosts Seo Jang Hoon and Park Ha-sun.
Since the production team's decision was announced, various opinions have surfaced online.
Some viewers questioned the program's composition, noting that both Lee and Seo Jang Hoon have experience with divorce. Conversely, others argued that hosts who have personally experienced marriage and divorce may offer a more realistic understanding of the participants' struggles.
Lee married actress Jo Yoon-hee in 2017 and has a daughter; the couple divorced in 2020. He has since continued his career in broadcasting and acting.
While some online comments have brought up Lee's past dating history, many viewers maintained that his private life is separate from his ability to host the show.
In variety programming, MC changes are often strategic moves by production teams to shift the show's atmosphere or attract new audiences. However, instances where long-term cast members depart without a proper farewell frequently lead to viewer backlash.
JTBC plans to introduce a new perspective to the program through Lee's involvement.
Episode 93 of 'Divorce Camp,' the first to air under the new MC lineup, is scheduled to broadcast on the 23rd at 10 PM.
