Jun Hyun-moo suggests variety show cast members—Lee Joon’s ‘non-clingy relationships’

Broadcaster Jun Hyun-moo reveals that he shares his opinions during the process of forming variety show casts. While he does not lead the recruitment directly, he explains that he shares his thoughts with the production team regarding whom to recommend as fellow cast members. In particular, the background of his collaboration with actor Lee Joon is drawing attention as it contains Jun Hyun-moo's own judgment regarding how people form relationships.

In the 15th episode of the MBN and Channel S variety program 'Jun Hyun-moo's Plan 4', which airs on the 9th, Jun Hyun-moo, travel creator KwakTube (Kwak Jun-bin), and Lee Joon visit famous restaurants in Ulsan and share various stories. In addition to honest evaluations of the food and behind-the-scenes travel stories, the process of how the three came together and their respective lifestyle habits will be revealed.

On this day, KwakTube brings up 'This Is Hyunmoo Road', in which Jun Hyun-moo and Lee Joon are appearing together. Since Jun Hyun-moo is at the center of the program, KwakTube, thinking his intentions would have been reflected in the cast combination, asks, "How did the two of you end up as a duo? 'Hyunmoo Road' must be a Jun Hyun-moo pick..." Beyond a simple introduction of the cast, he expressed curiosity about how the chemistry between cast members is created in variety programs.

In response, Jun Hyun-moo draws a line, stating that he does not conduct the recruitment himself. He explained his role in the casting process, saying, "I only give opinions like 'this person would be good'." While a broadcaster's recommendation does not immediately lead to recruitment, the intention is to convey opinions by considering the program's atmosphere and the harmony between cast members.

Jun Hyun-moo also reveals the reason why he ended up working with Lee Joon. Recalling that he once heard from singer Lee Juck that "the way he forms relationships is not clingy," he explains that Lee Joon appeared to have a similar personality. He said he judged that Lee Joon's manner of not relying too heavily on others or trying to force relationships would fit well for traveling together and making broadcasts.

In variety programs, the relationship between cast members is an important factor that determines laughter and fun. Rather than flaunting intimacy or relying on excessive setups, a combination that naturally reveals each person's character can instead provide comfortable fun to viewers. Jun Hyun-moo's explanation shows that when selecting cast members, one can consider not just simple popularity or buzzworthiness, but also actual personality and chemistry when working together.

The conversation between the three leads to food stories at an old dumpling restaurant in Ulsan. Tasting steamed and fried dumplings at a shop run by a manager of Chinese descent that has been operating since 1976, Lee Joon exclaims, "This is a taste you won't find anywhere else in the world." KwakTube, who usually does not rank food, also gives an evaluation of "This is number one" for these dumplings. It turns out the dumplings from the restaurant that has held its place for a long time captured the palates of the three.

While moving to the next restaurant after finishing the gourmet tour, Lee Joon's unique travel habits become a topic of conversation. The common characteristic remembered by Jun Hyun-moo and KwakTube, who have each traveled with Lee Joon, is his minimalist tendency to minimize luggage and not pack many sets of clothes.

KwakTube recalls when he traveled with Lee Joon for a week during the filming of 'Earth Marble' and says, "He only brought one backpack. He wore the same padded jacket throughout the entire trip." While it is common to prepare various clothes and belongings for long-term travel, the explanation is that Lee Joon completed his schedule with minimal items instead of increasing his luggage.

Jun Hyun-moo also adds an anecdote from when he visited Da Nang, Vietnam, for the filming of 'This Is Hyunmoo Road'. He draws laughter by sharing that Lee Joon survived for four days with just one pair of patterned lounge pants. Lee Joon's lifestyle of not caring much about clothing or luggage even at travel destinations remained strongly in the memories of the two.

From the behind-the-scenes of the cast combination to the taste of an old dumpling restaurant and Lee Joon's simple travel habits, this broadcast is expected to be a place where the different personalities of the three are naturally revealed. In particular, interest is gathering as to how the comfort in relationships, which Jun Hyun-moo cited as the reason for choosing Lee Joon, will lead to actual chemistry during the travel and dining process.

Read the original (Korean)