'Hangout with Yoo' will undergo another member change after 2 years.
On the afternoon of the 22nd, the production team of MBC's weekend variety show 'Hangout with Yoo?' stated, "Yoo Jae-suk, Haha, Joo Woo-jae, and Lee Yi-kyung will form a new four-member team," adding, "Park Jin-joo and Lee Mi-joo will leave 'Hangout with Yoo?' after filming their last episode on May 22, following discussions with the production team since early this year." They provided an official position stating that in the future, Yoo Jae-suk, Haha, Joo Woo-jae, and Lee Yi-kyung will work together based on their unique personalities and the team synergy they have built.
The production team particularly noted, "After considering future activities together, we decided on this difficult farewell while supporting one another," and added, "We sincerely thank Park Jin-joo and Lee Mi-joo, who have brightened 'Hangout with Yoo?' throughout their time on the show."
'Hangout with Yoo?' is a project that reconnected Producer Kim Tae-ho of the national variety 'Infinite Challenge' with Yoo Jae-suk, and it is the last program directed by Kim Tae-ho before leaving MBC. The show first aired in July 2019, initially receiving love as a 'character show' where 'national MC' Yoo Jae-suk challenged various fields, but it transitioned to a 'team play' format as fixed members were brought in. In this process, Lee Mi-joo joined as an official member in August 2021 and Park Jin-joo joined in September 2022.
However, another official member, Jeong Jun-ha, and Shin Bong-seon suddenly left the show in June 2023, causing some controversy. They expressed their disappointment after being notified of their departure by the broadcasting station.
Jeong Jun-ha confessed on 'Knowing Bros,' saying, "Be cautious too. If the PD suddenly asks, 'Can I get a ride?' do not allow it. I also got a ride, saying I wanted to talk for a bit, and then we talked about my departure," adding, "How can one not cry during farewells? I cried at least once. I posted pictures with the members on SNS, and articles came out calling me a 'big person,' but inside, I felt like a small person."
Shin Bong-seon also mentioned on Park Mi-sun's YouTube channel, "After finishing 'Hangout with Yoo?' we talked and understood each other, but I feel my emotions are important too, even if I understand."
Later, Jeong Jun-ha and Shin Bong-seon expressed their lingering feelings for 'Hangout with Yoo?' in a web variety show where they appeared alone.
Shin Bong-seon revealed, "After hearing about the senior’s departure, I drowned in alcohol for a week. The senior cried too," while Jeong Jun-ha added, "I drank a lot like it was my last lifetime. I didn't just cry; I wailed. If Thursday was recording day, I couldn't stay at home. I tried to create things to do."
'Hangout with Yoo?' has failed to escape from persistent low ratings, reaching only the 3% to 5% range this year. The most recently released episode from May 17 dropped to as low as 2.9%.
Meanwhile, the last filmed segments of Lee Mi-joo and Park Jin-joo will air on the 31st at 6:30 p.m., where they will say their final goodbye to the viewers.
[Photo] OSEN DB, 'Shin Bong-seon' screen capture
[OSEN]