Actress Jeon Won-ju to return to broadcasting following controversy over appearance fees and frugality

Actress Jeon Won-ju, who recently faced public backlash for demanding an increase in YouTube appearance fees and for her excessive frugality, is returning to broadcasting approximately one month after the controversy. Her comeback will be through a healing music variety show centered on capturing fading memories caused by dementia. As public sentiment has cooled due to past financial issues, attention is focused on what Jeon will show as she takes the stage alongside her friend of 55 years, actress Kim Hyeong-ja.

MBN has released a preview for the first episode of its music variety program 'Unforgettable Duet 2' ahead of its premiere on the 31st. The program is a music variety show where participants losing their memories to dementia complete duet stages of their life's favorite songs alongside family members or acquaintances. Moving beyond a simple singing competition, the show promises to be touching by revisiting memories and moments shared with loved ones through music.

The first participant for Season 2 is 87-year-old Jeon Won-ju. In the preview video, she expressed her heavy heart, stating, "I can't remember well. I want to cherish these precious memories for a long, long time." Having candidly revealed her dementia diagnosis this past April, Jeon will take the stage with fellow actress Kim Hyeong-ja, with whom she has maintained a long-standing friendship. This marks the first time the two will perform a duet together, raising expectations for the songs and emotions they will share based on their long connection.

Jeon's return to broadcasting is drawing particular attention due to the recent controversy surrounding her appearance fees. While appearing on the YouTube channel 'Sa Mi-ja, Not Omija' released on the 11th of last month, she explained the background of why the production of her own YouTube channel, 'Jeon Won-ju_Jeon Won-ju Is the Star,' was halted. At the time, Jeon confessed that there were differences in opinion with the production team regarding fees, saying, "When I said I would raise the money a bit, they said they would quit, so I just said let's just do it. I felt I shouldn't care too much about money."

Following her remarks, critical reactions emerged online. Because Jeon, who has been active despite her age and is known to be a multi-billion won asset holder, requested an increase in appearance fees from the production team, some netizens expressed discomfort. Sharp comments appeared, such as, "How much longer does she intend to live to be so greedy for money?" and "She is aging unattractively by losing her dignity due to greed for money." However, since appearance fee negotiations are matters that can occur between performers and production teams, there is also a view that the criticism may be excessive given that the specific negotiation conditions and the process of production halting have not been fully disclosed.

The financial controversy surrounding Jeon is not the first of its kind. Her image as a "stingy person" was highlighted in the past when her unusual saving habits were revealed, such as an anecdote where she and her daughter-in-law ordered only one drink for the three of them when visiting a cafe. While some view her frugality as a life philosophy, it has repeatedly become a subject of debate due to criticisms that her saving habits might place a burden on those around her. This recent appearance fee controversy also caused a greater impact as it coincided with her long-accumulated image.

Following the criticism over financial matters, the stage Jeon has chosen for her return is a music variety show dealing with dementia, memory, family, and friendship. As she attempts her first duet with her 55-year friend Kim Hyeong-ja, there is a possibility that an emotional side, different from the frugal persona she usually shows on variety shows, will be highlighted. Interest is also focused on whether her confession of facing the reality of fading memories and her stage with an old friend will resonate with viewers.

Of course, appearing on an emotional stage does not automatically erase the previous controversy. Whether viewer evaluations change will depend on the sincere image she shows in the program and her subsequent actions. Attention is focused on whether Jeon can form a new consensus with viewers based on her long acting career and life experiences, and whether she can find an opportunity to turn around the cooled public sentiment.

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