Most Influential Comedian Reveals Variety Show Blacklist: “Jung Yu-mi, Lee Seo-jin, Among Banned Names”

Veteran broadcaster Lee Kyung-kyu stirred laughter and controversy as he revealed his self-proclaimed blacklist of “dangerous figures” in the variety show industry.

On the February 9 episode of KBS2’s Boss In The Mirror (directed by Ahn Sang-eun), comedian Park Myung-soo, alongside fellow comedian Shin Ki-ru, paid a visit to the “godfather of variety shows,” Lee Kyung-kyu, seeking advice on navigating the evolving entertainment landscape.

Expressing concerns about comedians losing their traditional foothold in variety shows, Park Myung-soo listened intently as Lee Kyung-kyu humorously declared, “We must eliminate the danger zones.” He then singled out business tycoon Paik Jong-won, saying, “Chef Jung Ji-sun is manageable, but Paik Jong-won takes over my programs—he’s the enemy,” prompting laughter.

Lee didn’t hold back, naming top producers, saying, “PDs like Kim Young-hee (Conscience Fridge) and Kim Tae-ho (Infinite Challenge) are fine, but Na Young-seok is the real problem.” He jokingly demanded, “Return the Baeksang Trophy!” while proposing a “special law to ban TV appearances.” The mood intensified when he targeted retired athlete Ahn Jung-hwan, quipping, “He doesn’t produce shows with his own money like I do,” before retracting the comment when reminded of his son-in-law, pro footballer Kim Young-chan.

Lee drew distinctions within the industry, deeming singers allies while cautiously accepting webtoon artists who have fully transitioned into broadcasting. Foreign personalities like Sam Hammington were welcomed for their contributions to cultural exchange, although Lee added, “If they win a major award, they’re out.”

Business figures offering product placement (PPL) were warmly embraced, while announcers and models faced more criticism. Park Myung-soo pointed out inconsistencies when Lee categorized Jeon Hyun-moo and Hong Jin-kyung as allies simply because they appeared on his YouTube channel.

When it came to actors, Lee placed several on his blacklist, ultimately announcing 11 “banned” names: Na Young-seok, Kim Tae-ho, Ahn Jung-hwan, Paik Jong-won, Joo Woo-jae, Lee Hyun-yi, Lee Seo-jin, Jung Yu-mi (Love Your Enemy and School Nurse Files), Kim Sung-joo, Jang Sung-kyu, and Kim Dae-ho. However, he lightened the mood by adding, “Anyone who appears on my YouTube channel will be removed from the blacklist,” sparking laughter.

KBS2’s Boss In The Mirror airs every Sunday at 4:40 PM KST.