A poster for “I Live Alone” / Courtesy of MBC
South Korea’s entertainment industry is facing growing uncertainty as a string of high-profile variety show personalities step away from programs due to controversies, putting major broadcast networks on alert. The departures of familiar figures who once guaranteed a positive response have sent shockwaves through the industry, particularly at MBC and tvN, where shows relied heavily on a small number of stars.
Established figures such as Cho Sae-ho, Park Na-rae, Key and Lee Yi-kyung have announced withdrawals or paused their activities following controversies. With three cast members leaving “Amazing Saturday” at the same time, concerns have even been raised about the program’s long-term survival.
Industry observers say the situation exposes structural issues within the variety show ecosystem. Opportunities have increasingly concentrated around a limited group of proven stars, making it difficult for new faces to break through. As the same entertainers appear across multiple programs, risk has also become concentrated, with one controversy affecting several shows at once.
Large-scale variety shows often involve production budgets running into billions of won, making stability a top priority. Hiring entertainers with established popularity is seen as the best way to minimize risks. Ironically, that pursuit of safety has helped create the current predicament: The more a program depends on a single star, the wider the impact when that figure becomes embroiled in controversy.
Voices within the industry are cautiously calling for new talent. For rookie entertainers or performers who have worked on the margins, the disruption could present a rare opportunity to step into the spotlight.
Some see this as a moment for shifting the focus away from individual star power toward stronger formats and concepts. Expectations are growing that the industry may move toward reinforcing program competitiveness rather than relying on specific cast members. Still, success is far from guaranteed, as viewers are often reluctant to give up familiar faces.
An anonymous variety show producer said in a phone interview with the Hankook Ilbo that it has become increasingly difficult for newcomers to establish themselves as the industry has struggled in recent years. “In the past, producers and broadcasters had the courage to take chances on rookies,” the producer said. “Now, even giving opportunities is difficult. Strategically, everyone is chasing stability, so they prefer working with people who are already proven. The atmosphere has become one where only familiar names are used to avoid failure.”
The producer added that today’s top entertainers all grew their popularity gradually in stages, but that path has largely disappeared. “Aside from a few stars who break out overnight, it’s hard to find even rising stars now,” the producer said. “There’s no soil for newcomers to grow. Established stars are not in a position to make room for juniors, either. When broadcasters are struggling like they are now, they should be making bolder choices, but that’s not the mood. Viewers are curious about new faces, yet the days when someone could rise from obscurity feel long gone.”
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.