Lee Sang-jun faces LA show backlash; PD threatens legal action

Comedian Lee Sang-jun is embroiled in a controversy over a perceived "lack of sincerity" regarding his recent performance in Los Angeles (LA). Following his direct apology and explanation, director Hwang In-hee, who helmed the show, has entered the fray by correcting the facts and mentioning the possibility of legal action, bringing the dispute to a new phase.

The controversy began when audience members raised complaints online following the "Lee Sang-jun Show," a stand-up comedy performance held at the LA USC Bovard Auditorium on the 2nd (local time).

One audience member noted in a review, "I purchased a front-row ticket for $150 (approximately 210,000 KRW), but it seemed like Lee Sang-jun entered the US the day before the show and went to a baseball stadium instead of inspecting the venue. The sound system was a mess, so I couldn't properly hear what he was saying."

Another audience member expressed disappointment, stating, "Stand-up comedy is a genre where delivery is most important, but the echo varied significantly depending on the seat location. Given the ticket price, the sound quality should have been thoroughly checked in advance."

Some audience members also raised issues regarding the content and the way the show was conducted. One critic remarked, "It wasn't so much that the sexual jokes themselves were the problem, but it felt like a repetition of old comedy content. It felt stuck in 1980s-style humor."

With mentions of the show starting approximately 10 minutes late, the issue expanded into a controversy over audience service and attitude.

In response, Lee first issued an apology through his SNS on the 5th.

He stated, "I have confirmed that there were people who felt uncomfortable during the performance. I am truly sorry, as you likely came to have a good laugh."

He continued, "I will keep researching and studying to show you an improved version of myself. I will strive to create bigger laughs."

However, as the controversy persisted, Lee released a more detailed explanation in a follow-up statement.

He confessed, "Since last June, I have grown very quickly and received a lot of love. That is why for the past two months, I have jokingly said, 'I feel like I'll fall into ruin soon.' I thought something like this would happen at some point in any form."

Regarding the delay in the performance, he explained, "I arrived at the venue in the morning and was waiting behind the curtain from 10 minutes before the start. The performance was delayed by about 10 minutes because organizing the seating took longer than expected."

He admitted partial responsibility for the sound issues.

Lee said, "After the show ended, I confirmed there were sound problems. I reflected on why I couldn't have checked more meticulously. I am truly sorry for this part."

He also addressed the criticism regarding his visit to the baseball stadium the day before the show.

He explained, "Since I have never lived in LA, I intentionally traveled around to find local common ground. It was a preparation process to perform LA-related jokes for you."

However, regarding his performance style and the level of comedy, he stated his intention to maintain his current direction.

Lee said, "My current performance is at my current level. If you like this level, you can come; if not, you don't have to. If you watch it and like it, you can come again, and if not, you don't have to."

Regarding this remark, some reacted by calling it an honest attitude, while others felt the way he accepted the audience's criticism was somewhat aggressive.

Subsequently, PD Hwang In-hee, who directed the performance, also released a statement.

Through his SNS, Hwang stated, "There are parts that have been reported incorrectly and parts where only certain details are being highlighted, so I am conveying the accurate facts."

He drew a line, saying, "This sound issue was a matter that occurred due to the venue's facilities and the on-site technical operation process. It is unrelated to the attitude or performance execution of the comedian Lee Sang-jun on stage."

He further requested, "Please stop the acts of blaming the individual performer or continuing personal attacks based on unverified information."

He also hinted at the possibility of legal action, stating, "We are collecting relevant materials regarding the distribution of unverified information as fact, and the spreading of insults and false information toward the individual performer. We plan to respond according to principle after legal review."

The controversy is evolving beyond a simple venue sound issue into a question of how to coordinate different environments and expectations between domestic and overseas audiences during international performances.

Starting with the LA performance, Lee is scheduled to continue his North American tour through Atlanta, Washington D.C., New York, and Toronto, Canada.