Yoo Jae Suk satirizes celebrity self-censorship on 'Pungyangjung'

Yoo Jae Suk showcased his signature "controversy-blocking" wit by jokingly pointing out how even the smallest actions of performers during the 'Pungyangjung' trip could escalate into public scandals. The set erupted in laughter as the conversation turned to how even chewing gum or crossing one's legs requires caution on broadcast.

The Iksan travelogue for the 2026 Summer Road series 'Pungyangjung' was recently released on the YouTube channel DdeunDdeun. 'Pungyangjung' is a follow-up to 'Punghyanggo,' which amassed 100 million views, as Yoo Jae Suk, Lee Sang-min, Ji Suk-jin, and Yang Se-chan reunite for an unpredictable journey. Hwang Jung-min, who had a strong presence in the previous series with his unrestrained wit, did not join this trip.

The travel style of 'Pungyangjung' differs significantly from typical variety shows. After spinning a wheel to select Iksan as their destination, the members began their journey without pre-booking accommodations or routes. They do not rely on navigation or mobile apps; instead, they use a guidebook provided by the production team to find their way, opting for national and local roads over highways.

Travel expenses are also covered by the performers themselves rather than the production budget. Aside from calls and camera functions, the use of mobile applications is restricted. The core of the program is to intentionally deviate from the digital-dependent habits of modern people to create an "analog travel" experience.

During the trip, the members purchased snacks to eat in the car. When Yang Se-chan bought gum, the members naturally shared it, triggering unexpected nagging from Yoo Jae Suk.

Yoo Jae Suk flustered the members, stating, "Celebrities should avoid eating gum if possible. It looks arrogant. Don't eat gum to avoid controversy."

Rather than addressing a real scandal, the remark was a joke aimed at the current social climate where even the minor actions of broadcasters are over-interpreted online. However, Yoo Jae Suk did not stop there.

When Ji Suk-jin asked, "How far does this go?", Yang Se-chan replied, "The ultimate controversy blocker. There is no controversy." Ji Suk-jin then jokingly appealed his grievance, asking, "Mr. Yoo Jae Suk, until what age am I not allowed to chew gum on broadcast?"

Yang Se-chan went a step further, teasing, "Seok-jin hyung can't even cross his legs. He can't even put his hands in his pockets," to which Yoo Jae Suk responded, "If you quit, you can cross your legs. If you quit broadcasting."

While delivered as a joke, the exchange served as satire regarding the excessive self-censorship required of celebrities today. Actions that would have passed as minor gestures in the past can now be scrutinized online through short clips or screenshots. As the reach of celebrities has expanded, so too has the intensity of public surveillance and interpretation.

By linking minor actions like chewing gum and crossing legs to the concept of "controversy," Yoo Jae Suk paradoxically highlights this media environment. He turned the irony of an era where doing nothing is the safest path—or where any action is subject to interpretation—into a moment of laughter.

In particular, Yoo's remark, "If you quit broadcasting, you can cross your legs," caricatures the thin line between a celebrity's public image and private behavior. He used comedy to illustrate the reality that the moment a person appears on screen, their personal habits become part of the content and subject to viewer evaluation.

It is also notable that 'Pungyangjung' itself is designed to break away from such control. The performers have only a set destination and must create their own itinerary, minimizing smartphone convenience and relying on maps and footwork. The format prioritizes spontaneous situations and autonomous choices over a highly planned broadcast.

Ultimately, Yoo Jae Suk's "controversy-blocking" jokes create a sharp contrast with the program's free-spirited travel style. While real-world actions must be carefully guarded, he uses the camera to turn that very reality into a joke.

The humor lies not in the prohibition of gum, but in questioning "how much is allowed" in an era where anything can trigger a controversy. By exaggerating these minor restrictions, Yoo Jae Suk accurately tapped into the irony of the excessive self-censorship that modern broadcasters must endure.