JTBC announcer Lee Na-yeon jokes about office AC amid company's restructuring

JTBC announcer Lee Na-yeon drew attention by jokingly reacting to the office air conditioning not working, asking, "Is it because the company is struggling?"

As these remarks come amidst news that affiliates of the JoongAng Group, including JTBC, have entered corporate rehabilitation proceedings, various reactions are following online.

Recently, a vlog titled "I am not unemployed yet" was released on the YouTube channel 'First, Lee Na-yeon'.

The video captures a day in the life of Lee, moving to fulfill her schedule after finishing hair and makeup.

Lee shared her recent status with a laugh, saying, "Right now, I'm having a meeting in Pangyo, and after that, I'll move to Sangam to film a golf program. I'm still doing well in broadcasting. It's still okay."

She then introduced her busy schedule, adding, "Before that, I also take Chinese classes quickly. This is my daily life lately."

In fact, she demonstrated her proficient Chinese skills while taking an online Chinese class in the lobby of the JTBC building.

During the class, she also shared that her health had not been good recently.

"I had to take a break from the last class because I was so sick," she said. "When I opened my eyes, everything was shaking. I immediately got an IV and rested, so I feel much better now."

As she headed to the studio after finishing the class, she drew laughter by mentioning the situation inside the building.

Lee said, "I don't know if I should say this, but is it because the company is struggling? The company air conditioning isn't working. It's so hot."

She then added a joke with her signature candid wit, asking, "Could this really be having an impact? I won't get fired for saying this, will I?"

Afterward, she moved to the recording set and proceeded with the broadcast in a calm voice, showing her professional side.

At the end of the video, she expressed her sincere feelings regarding her current situation.

Lee expressed her affection, saying, "To be honest, I don't know how much longer I can show this side of myself. JTBC is like the home of my heart."

She continued, "Nothing has been confirmed yet, but I will let you know first as soon as there is new news. Until then, I will do my best in my assigned programs and proceed with responsibility until the end."

Lee's remarks are gaining more attention as they coincide with the recent management situation surrounding JTBC.

Previously, JTBC declared default after failing to repay securitized borrowings worth approximately 20.6 billion won and applied for corporate rehabilitation to the court. Along with this, major affiliates of the JoongAng Group, such as JoongAng Holdings, ContentreeJoongAng, JoongAng P&I, and Megabox JoongAng, have also entered rehabilitation proceedings.

However, it has not been confirmed whether the non-functioning air conditioning mentioned by Lee is directly related to this management situation. Her remarks were also a joke containing personal speculation.

Lee began her broadcasting career as a JTBC golf announcer in 2021 and gained public recognition following her appearance on the TVING dating reality show 'EXchange 2' in 2022. She is currently active in both broadcasting and content production and is in a public relationship with ice hockey player Nam Hee-doo.