Basketball player Lee Kwan-hee, known for his appearance on 'Single's Inferno 3', has once again stirred controversy with his remarks. During a review of 'Single's Inferno 5', Lee made comments perceived as disrespectful towards MC Hong Jin-kyung.
On the 27th, Lee Kwan-hee's YouTube channel 'Basketball Player God Kwan-hee' posted a video titled 'Anyone want to watch 'Single's Inferno 5' review together?' In the video, Lee, alongside fellow 'Single's Inferno 3' participant Yoon Ha-bin, reviewed the current season.
The controversy arose when Hong Jin-kyung commented on the frequency of the participants' dates, saying, "How do you see someone seven times?" Lee responded, "I like seeing someone often. Jin-kyung, you could see someone seven times," and added, "I wanted to say this, but Jin-kyung seems to know little about dating, yet she's giving advice, which annoys me."
When Yoon Ha-bin pointed out, "Isn't she married with a child?" Lee retorted, "Does being married make her better than me? I'm going to get married too," mocking the situation. Notably, Hong Jin-kyung is currently divorced. Lee continued, "I acknowledge Han-hae, Dex, and Da-hye, but honestly, I don't understand Jin-kyung. I don't think she would date better than me," firmly holding his stance.
Yoon Ha-bin, seemingly taken aback, distanced himself by saying, "This has nothing to do with me." Lee reiterated, "Jin-kyung doesn't seem to fit," and added, "Jin-kyung, do better. It's not fun," laughing as he said it.
MC Hong Jin-kyung has been a consistent presence from season 1 to season 5 of 'Single's Inferno', maintaining the show's balance and tone. Her candid and witty commentary resonates with viewers.
Netizens have rallied in support of Hong Jin-kyung, emphasizing that her role as an MC is not about her dating prowess but about fulfilling her duties. Criticism towards Lee Kwan-hee has been widespread, with comments like, "At your age, you should know better," "Panelists are supposed to give advice, not play games," "Manners and awareness are part of intelligence," "Approaching forty and still can't differentiate between appropriate and inappropriate remarks," and "Truly disrespectful."
This isn't the first time Lee Kwan-hee's comments have sparked debate. On 'Single's Inferno 3', his overly casual demeanor and rude remarks earned him the nickname 'Kwan-jjok-i' (a play on his name implying immaturity).
During that season, when asked about his romantic interest, Lee pointed to three female participants with his fingers, saying, "That one, this one, and that one," prompting Yoon Ha-bin to criticize, "They have names, not 'that one'." MC Lee Da-hee agreed, "If it were me, I'd be offended being called 'that one'." Dex also acknowledged, "Kwan-hee seems to have made a mistake." Participants commented on Lee's behavior, saying, "It makes me lose interest," "Feels like he's hedging his bets," "His way of speaking is amusing," and "Every show needs a villain to be entertaining."
Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr