SEOUL – A promotional appearance for MBC’s new weekend drama Killer Mom has taken an unexpected turn after co-star Jung Joon-won faced online criticism for his hesitant performance during a comedy segment on the variety show What Do You Do Play?. The incident, which aired last week, has ignited debate over celebrity expectations on Korean variety programs.
Jung, best known for his role in the hit medical series Hospital Playlist, appeared alongside veteran actress Gong Hyo-jin to promote Killer Mom, which debuted late last month and immediately claimed the top spot in its time slot. During the show, host Yoo Jae-suk invited guests to recite the same line — “How old are you?” — using different emotions: curiosity, anger, and sadness.
According to the broadcast, Jung initially showed enthusiasm but struggled when it was his turn. Instead of delivering the line, he closed his eyes, hesitated, and remained silent. Fellow cast members, including Yoo and Gong, appeared visibly surprised. Yoo quickly intervened, suggesting they move on to the next participant. When Jung tried again, he muttered to himself, glanced awkwardly at the camera, and again shut his eyes. Comedian Haha, also on the panel, pretended to scold him in jest, before Gong smoothly completed the segment.
Viewer Criticism and Celebrity Defense
After the episode aired, viewers took to social media to criticize Jung’s performance, calling it “unprofessional” and “lacking effort.” Some questioned his suitability for variety programs, accusing him of showing little enthusiasm.
However, Haha took to his personal social media account the following day to defend his colleague. He described Jung as “adorable” and explained that the actor’s awkwardness was a deliberate part of the show’s comedic dynamic. “He was playing along to create laughs. It’s not about being smooth — it’s about being funny in your own way,” Haha wrote, urging fans not to judge harshly.
Jung has not publicly commented on the backlash. Industry observers note that variety show appearances can be particularly challenging for actors trained in scripted drama, where improvisation and rapid-fire humor are less common.
Ratings Roundup: Drama Competition Heats Up
Meanwhile, in the broader Korean drama landscape, Killer Mom continues to dominate its time slot. But competition remains fierce. On Monday night, Namgoong Min’s KBS2 drama After Marriage earned a 7.2% nationwide rating for its 10th episode, according to Nielsen Korea, making it the most-watched program in its time slot.
It outperformed tvN’s Creepy Love, which posted 5.9% for episode 6, and JTBC’s Apartment Black Storm, which recorded 5.3% for episode 8. All three series air in the same evening window, underscoring the intense battle for viewers among Korea’s major broadcasters and cable networks.
Killer Mom — a dark comedy about a mother who turns to crime to protect her family — stars Gong Hyo-jin as the titular character and Jung Joon-won as a mysterious neighbor. The series has drawn praise for its mix of suspense and humor, though its promotional hiccup may linger as a talking point on social media.
What’s Next
As the backlash simmers, Jung’s agency has not issued a statement. The actor is expected to continue promoting the drama through upcoming interviews. For viewers, the incident serves as a reminder of the pressure celebrities face in live variety settings — and the fine line between intentional awkwardness and perceived indifference.
