"I apologize." This was the most frequently spoken phrase by Jeong Hyun-kyu, the winner of 'Devil's Plan 2,' during an interview with domestic reporters. Rather than the winner's typical confidence, the image of a young man subdued by sharp critical opinions was strong. Nevertheless, he did not waver in his strong determination toward victory.
Jeong Hyun-kyu is the winner of the Netflix original variety show 'Devil's Plan: Death Room' (abbreviated as Devil's Plan 2), which ended on the 20th of last month. A brain survival game variety show in which players from various professions camp together for 7 days to determine the best brain, Jeong Hyun-kyu triumphed over a competitive cast in 'Devil's Plan 2'. A week after the show concluded, on the morning of the 27th of last month, he met with domestic reporters for an interview at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
Director Jeong Jong-yeon was also present at this meeting. Typically, after the entire season of Netflix variety shows is released, interviews with the production team or key participants are conducted. The first season of 'Devil's Plan' also had a separate interview with the winner, Ha Seok-jin. Jeong Hyun-kyu initially discussed a separate interview but ended up joining the round interview with Director Jeong Jong-yeon after negotiations. In this regard, Jeong Hyun-kyu noted, "I originally had the intention to do a round interview. I don't know the process, but I ended up doing it with the director."
Although he became the winner and had to conduct interviews, Jeong Hyun-kyu was visibly subdued. This was because there was a strong critical opinion against him rather than support and praise for his victory. Some of his remarks, such as "I won't work with you" and "You know math, right?" sparked strong criticism for being rude, and, more importantly, the process in which he seemed to have received a victory from Super Junior's Kyuhyun and actress Yoon Sohui was also harshly criticized.
Amidst this, Jeong Hyun-kyu cautiously said, "I reflected a lot while watching the viewers' reactions after the broadcast. I truly put my heart into winning, and it is also my responsibility to have caused discomfort to many people and the viewers during the process." He continued, "I reflected a lot while watching the reactions. I think that those uncomfortable feelings are also my responsibility."
Moreover, he stated, "The reason I won is not just because I did well but also because I did my best in the situation, and the people around me helped, and I think I was quite lucky. What I realized while winning is that it's important how my sincerity is conveyed to people rather than just being sincere. I am reflecting on that part." His words made those around him solemn.
However, he drew the line on the reaction that he received the victory from 'Yoon Sohui'. Jeong Hyun-kyu said, "In the dormitory, Kyuhyun, Sohui, and I made it to the end together and decided to enjoy a fun competition while trying to persevere without my piece. I never imagined that it would be seen as a 'love affair'. We are now on good terms as a sister and brother."
Additionally, he stated, "As Kyuhyun and Sohui kept winning in the same team, it seems we became closer. In a way, a sense of camaraderie emerged, and we worked hard as one team. I feel sorry toward both of them. I strategically chose to ask for help to win, and in that process, Sohui and Kyuhyun became my allies. I felt that they suffered because of me, so I apologized, and they said, 'It's okay'. I did not receive the victory at all; it was a fair and really fierce competition between Sohui and me. Given the journey of 7 days, it seems that the physical competition was somewhat severe. It was difficult to approach the final match in 100% condition. It's true that both of us did our best," he emphasized.
So what is the secret that captivated Kyuhyun and Yoon Sohui, causing viewers to express curiosity? Jeong Hyun-kyu expressed, "As we kept playing together, I wanted to have a fair trial of skills among the final three of us with Kyuhyun and Sohui. During 'Mankala,' they left after the 9th round, and I think there was that camaraderie that had been strong all along. I apologize again as it seems I asked and ended up making my brother and sister suffer lambasting."
Actually, the contestants of 'Devil's Plan 2' are known to be quite close. Jeong Hyun-kyu stated, "Before the broadcast, I became close with Hyeon-jun and we've been good friends since then. We still get along well. I have nothing else to add," and added modestly, "After the recording ended on January 1 last year, the contestants often hung out together. The scene of holding hands was probably when I was drunk with Hyeon-jun during a gathering."
It is no wonder that Jeong Hyun-kyu received overwhelming love as the macguffin man in the Tving original variety show 'Dating Transfer 2' before 'Devil's Plan 2'. This drew attention to the romantic relationship with haeun, who became his reality couple in 'Dating Transfer 2'. Jeong Hyun-kyu disclosed, "Haeun and I are still cheering for each other. We are getting along well. Regardless of how it goes, we met on a broadcast, gained public recognition and attention, but the relationship itself becoming a commodity is something we were uncomfortable with. We wanted to protect it and hid it a lot. So, we expressed that we were in a relationship indirectly. Even now, I think I can only say that we are just cheering for each other," effectively giving weight to the rumors of their breakup.
Furthermore, Jeong Hyun-kyu stated, "This incident has made me reflect a lot about myself. I realized that I am very immature and imperfect. I am trying to take some time to heal alone. I currently do not have specific plans for broadcasting activities or celebrity activities. My current agency is not a planning company but an agency."
He plans to donate a portion of the prize money. Jeong Hyun-kyu stated, "I received the prize money after the program ended. There are no specific plans yet, but I will spend it treating the contestants to something delicious, and since I caused inconvenience to the program and the viewers, I plan to donate a portion later."
He also drew a line regarding the suspicion of apologizing due to critical opinions, stating, "I originally intended to donate. However, during a web variety show, there was a time when the hosts were asking how it would be used, but there was a situation where I couldn't let the winner be discovered." In response, Director Jeong Jong-yeon also added, "From the production team's perspective, we highly discourage donations. It’s up to the individual's discretion, though."
Jeong Hyun-kyu mentioned, "I really loved this program and participated fully with the mindset to give it my all for victory. I do not see it as being edited by the devil. I think I overlooked how much my presence could cause discomfort or hurt to others. Now, I understand that responsibility and am growing and reflecting more," and bowed his head once again.
In his closing remarks, he emphasized again, "I sincerely engaged more earnestly than anyone else." He added, "I apologize for causing negative influences on so many people during the process," and concluded, "I will grow well."
In fact, he was aware of the critical opinions well in advance. During a special talk with fans held to commemorate the conclusion of 'Devil's Plan 2,' Jeong Hyun-kyu reportedly shed tears while apologizing to the contestants in the waiting room. When the rude remarks first became controversial, he left a message saying, "I apologize" on his personal SNS profile, but after the program concluded, that remark was deleted, prompting debates about the sincerity of his apology.
In this regard, Jeong Hyun-kyu stated to OSEN, "I am taking the viewers' uncomfortable feelings seriously, which is why I apologized on SNS. However, I thought it seemed trivial, so I deleted it. I then conveyed my sincere apology again through this interview, and I would like to say once more that I am sorry to all those who felt uncomfortable because of my play."
"Even if your victory is marred by ugly lies and betrayal, we will gladly applaud and reward you with the prize money."
This is the statement of the host of the 'Devil's Plan' series. Although there were no ugly lies and betrayals, the applause was not received happily. The situation of winner Jeong Hyun-kyu, who did not gain empathy from targets beyond the alliance, left an implication. However, at least both his determination for victory and apology seemed genuine.
[Photo] Provided by Netflix.
[OSEN]