Kim Hae-jun jokes about weight gain: 'My belt has slid under my belly'

Comedian Kim Hae-jun brought laughter to viewers with his signature self-deprecating humor, playfully acknowledging his weight changes over the past three years on a variety program. While candidly discussing his physical changes during his time on the representative mukbang show 'Delicious Guys', the witty banter from the cast and production crew drew empathy from viewers.

Episode 572 of the Comedy TV variety program 'Delicious Guys', which aired on the 17th, was themed as the 'Sons of Suncheon' special. The so-called 'Ttung-chinz' group, consisting of Kim Jun-hyun, Moon Se-yoon, Hwang Je-sung, and Kim Hae-jun, visited Suncheon in Jeollanam-do—the hometown of Hwang Je-sung—to embark on a full-scale gourmet journey tasting local representative foods.

While moving to the next restaurant after finishing their first meal, the production crew teased Kim Hae-jun, saying, "Hae-jun, your belt isn't visible." Faced with this unexpected remark, Kim Hae-jun reacted as if doubting the crew's intentions, saying, "I think you must have seen it; honestly, it makes no sense that it wouldn't be visible from that angle," turning the scene into a sea of laughter.

He continued his self-diss, stating, "If you do 'Delicious Guys' for three years, the belt just slides under your belly on its own," unhesitatingly using his weight change as comedic material. This moment highlighted his unique comedic sense, linking his physical transformation to the program's identity as a 'mukbang' show through exaggerated expression.

In response, Kim Jun-hyun drew further laughter by drawing a line, retorting, "You didn't gain weight because of us. From what I hear normally, you eat an incredible amount," suggesting it was due to Kim Hae-jun's personal eating habits rather than the program. The natural chemistry resulting from the long-standing rapport between the cast members further amplified the signature cheerful atmosphere of 'Delicious Guys'.

'Delicious Guys' is evaluated as a representative program that established the 'Food Variety' genre by combining food-centered information delivery with the characters and wit of the cast. In particular, the 'self-parody' where cast members sublimate their body types or eating habits into exaggerated humor has become one of the program's representative narrative devices. This is interpreted as a variety strategy to narrow the psychological distance with viewers through self-deprecating humor that uses oneself as a subject of laughter rather than ridiculing appearance.

Kim Hae-jun has also been communicating with the public by promoting a friendly image and honest wit on broadcasts. Recently, following his marriage to comedian Kim Seung-hye, he has been maintaining a stable career by balancing broadcasting and personal activities, continuing his presence as an entertainer by unraveling even everyday episodes with his unique wit.

Kim Hae-jun married comedian Kim Seung-hye in October 2024, drawing attention as a representative comedian couple in the entertainment industry. Even after marriage, he continues to be active in various variety programs and receives steady love for his characteristic realistic humor and human charm.