[Edaily Starin Gim Ga Yeong Reporter] The production team of “I Live Alone” has once again addressed allegations that Jeon Hyun-moo’s impromptu trip to Kazakhstan was staged and offered an apology.

On the 4th, the production team of MBC’s “I Live Alone” apologized, stating, “We bow our heads in apology for the delay in issuing a detailed statement.” They added, “Given the nature of reality TV, we were concerned that sharing the detailed production process with viewers might undermine the sense of realism—which is the foundation of the program—and hinder viewer immersion, which is why we were unable to issue a prompt statement.”
Regarding the August 14 broadcast, in which Jeon Hyun-moo spontaneously purchased a ticket at Incheon International Airport and set off on a trip to Kazakhstan, the production team explained, “The Kazakhstan episode was filmed by the production team following Jeon Hyun-moo’s daily life, as he typically enjoys spontaneous trips,” and “The ‘spontaneous trip’ depicted on the broadcast referred to Jeon Hyun-moo deciding on his travel destination on the day of departure without having predetermined a destination or purchased a ticket in advance.”
However, “In preparation for this episode, the production team reviewed flight options and filming conditions in advance in case overseas filming became necessary. They explored various possibilities, focusing on nearby countries that could be reached within a limited timeframe, and after comprehensively considering the destinations Jeon Hyun-moo had previously shown interest in, as well as the flight situation at the time, they determined that Kazakhstan was the most likely choice.” They added, “Accordingly, to ensure we could respond immediately to filming should the trip to Kazakhstan be confirmed, we booked the staff’s airline tickets in advance and requested local filming support. “In the event that Jeon Hyun-moo chose a different destination on the day of departure or was unable to secure a flight to Kazakhstan, we planned to cancel the staff’s tickets and naturally incorporate any unexpected situations arising from that process as part of the travel experience,” they explained.
The production team noted, “Jeon Hyun-moo checked for flights departing from the airport that day and purchased his ticket to Kazakhstan on the spot,” adding, “However, in emphasizing the term ‘impromptu trip’ during the broadcast, we did not sufficiently consider that viewers might interpret the entire process—from travel to filming—as having taken place without any prior preparation.”
Regarding support from the Almaty City Tourism Bureau, “The production team received assistance from the Almaty City Tourism Bureau regarding the administrative procedures required for overseas filming and on-site coordination.” The previously stated position that ‘there was no support’ referred to the absence of financial sponsorship or production cost subsidies; however, since this phrasing could be interpreted to mean there was absolutely no local administrative or filming assistance, we provided this supplementary explanation,” they explained, adding, “We apologize for any confusion caused by our failure to provide a sufficient explanation during this process.”
Regarding the use of a rental car, they explained, “Mr. Jeon Hyun-moo personally reserved the vehicle at Incheon International Airport and, upon arrival in Kazakhstan, submitted copies of his passport and international driver’s license as instructed by the rental car company to take delivery of the vehicle.” “However, after the broadcast aired, we received feedback pointing out the lack of relevant documentation. Upon verification through the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Kazakhstan, we belatedly realized that renting a vehicle within Kazakhstan requires a notarization procedure from the Embassy of Kazakhstan in South Korea. This was an oversight on the part of the production team for failing to carefully verify local regulations,” the statement continued.
Previously, on MBC’s *I Live Alone*, Jeon Hyun-moo was shown setting off on an impromptu overseas trip without any prior preparation after being given a two-day, one-night break. Without even deciding on a destination, he went to Incheon International Airport, found an available flight ticket, paid for it, and spontaneously departed for Kazakhstan. He then rented a car and enjoyed his trip around Kazakhstan.
However, some viewers with experience traveling to Kazakhstan raised questions after watching the episode. They pointed out that renting a car in Kazakhstan requires going through complex procedures—such as depositing one’s driver’s license at the embassy and obtaining a notarized copy—yet the show depicted him renting a car quickly and easily without going through these steps. This led to allegations of fabrication. Furthermore, allegations that the production team of “I Live Alone” had booked the flight to Kazakhstan in advance intensified the controversy.
The production team apologized, stating, “‘I Live Alone’ has always prioritized conveying the cast members’ daily lives as authentically as possible. Nevertheless, for this episode, we were overly focused on ensuring the program’s realism and immersion, and as a result, we failed to provide a sufficient explanation of the actual filming process.” They added, “Consequently, we caused misunderstanding and confusion among our viewers, and we were unable to provide a prompt and clear explanation regarding the questions raised afterward. We sincerely apologize for the production team’s lack of judgment and inadequate response.”
They continued, “We take the criticism and reproach you have expressed very seriously. We will return to our original intentions, reevaluate our production methods and attitudes from the ground up, and produce the show with greater care.”