Do Kyung-wan to leave last fixed program amid poverty cosplay controversy

Broadcaster Do Kyung-wan revealed on the 29th that he is being replaced as MC on KBS Joy's "The Man Who Runs the Charts." The announcement follows criticism over his claims of financial hardship after he and Jang Yoon-jeong purchased a 12 billion won penthouse in Yongsan District.

Broadcaster Do Kyung-wan has revealed that he is stepping down from his last remaining fixed program. As he lamented losing his job following a controversy where his claims of financial hardship were labeled as "poverty cosplay," his wife, Jang Yoon-jeong, gave a blunt response, saying, "You've already been cut." While the couple's conversation was filled with laughter, Do's bitter update regarding his broadcasting career drew attention.

The KBS2 show "Stars' Top Recipe at Fun-Staurant" aired a 7th-anniversary special titled "Home" on the 29th. During the broadcast, Do Kyung-wan spoke with his manager and trot singer Song Seong-ho, expressing his frustrated feelings regarding his recent broadcasting activities.

"At least there is hair on the floor, but I have no work," Do sighed. He drew interest from the cast by stating, "My last remaining fixed program has been removed." He clarified that he would be stepping down from KBS Joy's "The Man Who Runs the Charts," which he has hosted for approximately four to five years, noting that the program itself is not being canceled, but rather the MC is being replaced.

Song Seong-ho offered comfort, saying, "It's not bad to take a break. Wasn't being a freelancer very difficult?" Jang Yoon-jeong attempted to interpret the situation positively, wondering if the show might be switching to a single MC system. However, this hope vanished when Song Seong-ho explained, "Another announcer has come."

Do Kyung-wan lamented, "Only I was changed in my one and only last fixed program. Lee Sang-min is continuing." He appeared deeply disappointed that while his fellow cast member Lee Sang-min will continue, he alone is being replaced. He even offered a self-deprecating reaction, saying, "I guess I just wasn't good enough."

Jang Yoon-jeong's response was more direct than expected. "Why are you making the atmosphere like this? You've already been cut," she retorted, drawing laughter. She then comforted her husband by adding, "It's better to be cut. At least you're doing 'Stars' Top Recipe at Fun-Staurant.' I can at least get fed from that." Despite the cold joke, the couple's chemistry showed them trying to move past Do's situation lightheartedly.

This news of his departure is receiving even more attention as it coincides with the controversy surrounding Do's recent mentions of financial hardship. Previously, on "Stars' Top Recipe at Fun-Staurant," he claimed his bank account balance was 254,795 won, expressing economic difficulties. However, criticism regarding the sincerity of these remarks arose when it was revealed that the couple Do Kyung-wan and Jang Yoon-jeong purchased a penthouse in Yongsan District, Seoul, for approximately 12 billion won in all cash in 2024.

In particular, questions were raised about whether it is appropriate for a couple owning expensive real estate to emphasize financial hardship on television, leading to the "poverty cosplay" controversy. Opinions were divided on whether Do's remarks represented actual economic struggle or were exaggerated expressions for broadcasting entertainment. While whether an individual's bank balance can be judged by the same standard as a couple's total assets is a separate matter, the discrepancy felt by viewers became the backdrop of the controversy.

The controversy has also extended to broadcasting review issues. It has been reported that a civil complaint was filed via e-People on the 29th, requesting a judgment on whether Do Kyung-wan's remarks regarding financial hardship on "Stars' Top Recipe at Fun-Staurant" violate the principle of objectivity. However, the filing of a complaint does not inherently mean a violation of broadcasting review regulations, and actual review and judgment must be confirmed separately.

As the personal disappointment of losing his last fixed program overlaps with public criticism regarding his comments on financial hardship, attention is focused on Do Kyung-wan's future broadcasting career. While the banter with Jang Yoon-jeong elicited laughter, public attention is directed beyond a simple episode of a couple's variety show toward Do's remarks and his overall broadcasting activities.

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