Actress Joo Hyun Young has finally spoken out about the rumors surrounding her departure from SNL Korea, clearing up the confusion once and for all.

On January 9, a video from comedian Lee Soo Ji’s web entertainment show Saching Queen aired on Studio Chikachika’s YouTube channel. In the fifth episode, titled "Joo Hyun Young’s Drunken Confessions, From the Reason for Leaving SNL to Behind-the-Scenes Stories and Talents," the actress opened up about her exit from the show.

The conversation began when Lee Soo Ji noted, "A lot of fans have been missing you after you left SNL Korea. I’ve seen many comments under SNL Korea videos like 'It’s a shame we don’t get to see Joo Hyun Young'."

Joo Hyun Young, who had been a regular cast member from season 1 in September 2021 to season 4 in 2023, shocked fans when she announced her departure ahead of season 5. Her exit stirred disappointment among viewers who were left wondering why she left the show.

Lee Soo Ji asked, "A lot of people commented asking about why you left. Did you see that?"

Joo Hyun Young replied, "Yes, I saw it. People around me send them to me."

Lee Soo Ji, visibly frustrated, said, "I wanted to comment ‘That’s not true,’ because when Joo Hyun Young left, she sent handwritten letters with her feelings and aspirations to all the cast members and the production team."

Joo Hyun Young shared, "When I left the cast, I made it clear that I wanted to focus on my acting career, and an article about that came out. However, many people don’t know about this article."

Lee Soo Ji responded, "I didn’t even know that an article was released." Joo Hyun Young then added, "Let me clarify. If you want to know the reason and various other circumstances behind my departure from SNL Korea, you can read the article." The screen caption read, "No more misunderstandings from now on."

There were rumors that Joo Hyun Young’s satirical sketch of Kim Geon Hee, wife of President Yoon Seok Yeol, during the 2021 presidential campaign might have been the cause of her departure. Some netizens speculated that it could have been the "decisive reason" for her exit.

However, Joo Hyun Young quickly addressed this. Through her agency, AIMC, she explained, "The reason for my departure is that SNL Korea gave me an amazing environment to express myself, and it helped me grow. But as I began working on other types of projects, I realized that I was experiencing growth in a different way, even though it was difficult."

She continued, "I thought about whether I could balance both my acting career and SNL Korea, and I realized that the experiences I had on the show were great training. However, my next project has a darker genre and requires me to deliver a more thoughtful message. I felt I needed to focus more and gain more experience before taking on such a project."

Joo Hyun Young concluded, "I know this might be a disappointing choice, but I want to explore new, uncomfortable, and challenging paths. I hope everyone will understand and support me as I move forward."

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Lee Kyung Gyu's star-making influence goes beyond Kang Ho Dong, as Hong Jin Kyung shares how he helped her kickstart her career.

On the April 24 episode of KBS 2TV’s Problem Child in House, legendary comedian Lee Kyung Gyu appeared as a guest—and a touching story from the past was revealed.

Hong Jin Kyung surprised everyone when she said, “He’s the teacher for all of us. Personally, he’s the one who helped me debut.” She even pinned a carnation flower on his chest to show her gratitude.

Lee Kyung Gyu smiled and said, “I still remember when Hong Jin Kyung walked up the stairs onto the stage for the first time.”

Hong Jin Kyung then shared her journey to becoming a star. “I joined a supermodel contest, but only the top 3 winners were noticed in broadcasting. I got a special prize, so I had no chance to be on TV."

She continued, "At first, I was just a backup for a show. But somehow, I became a regular the next week. I never knew why."

She added, "I thought the PD gave me a shot. But then one day, I randomly met Kyung Gyu sunbae, and he told me it was actually him who recommended me.”

Kim Sook asked with a smile, “So Kyung Gyu sunbae said nice things about you to the PD?”

Lee Kyung Gyu playfully replied, “Don’t say it in such a childish way,” making everyone laugh.

He then explained more seriously, “The show was Scoop TV Entertainment, and I was pretty much the main MC. When Jin Kyung showed up, I saw her determination and passion."

He added, "While others didn’t seem serious, she really stood out. I told the PD, ‘She seems unique. Why not keep her on the show?’”

Kim Jong Kook chimed in, “So if the main MC said that, doesn’t that mean you basically got her in?”

That made Lee Kyung Gyu happy. He grinned and replied, “Exactly! You speak well. Be like him!”

He added, “After that, Jin Kyung’s career took off. She started doing shows with Lee Young Ja and just kept going.”

Fans are now calling Lee Kyung Gyu not only a top MC, but also a quiet star-maker behind the scenes!

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