Comedian Lee Seung-yoon shared his thoughts on stepping down from the long-running MBN show 'I Am a Natural Person.'
Recently, the YouTube channel 'Jodongari' featured a video with hosts Yoon Taek and Lee Seung-yoon, where they revealed behind-the-scenes stories from the show.
In the video, the duo discussed their journey joining the program and the dangerous moments they faced during filming.
Recalling the first shoot, Lee Seung-yoon said, "I was in a 'Gag Concert' meeting when I received an offer to be the sole MC for a nature-related program. I was excited, but I found myself climbing a mountain."
He continued, "There was no direction from the PD, just a camera following me. When I reached the top, the natural person was completely naked. I was shocked but continued filming to maintain the reality."
The filming process was challenging. He shared, "In the first episode, I ate fish head curry, and in the second, I ate raw deer liver. It was so tough that I told my company I wouldn't do a second shoot if offered."
However, the unexpected response changed his mind. Lee Seung-yoon noted, "After the first broadcast, the ratings were surprisingly high, unprecedented in cable program history."
To ease the burden, the production team suggested a two-MC format, and Yoon Taek joined from the fourth episode. Lee Seung-yoon said, "Yoon Taek was like a savior to me."
They also shared dangerous moments during filming. Lee Seung-yoon recalled being stung by a giant hornet and experiencing anaphylactic shock, "My tongue swelled, I couldn't breathe, and my whole body was swollen. I thought I wouldn't wake up if I lost consciousness, so I held on until I reached the hospital."
Regarding their pay, Lee Seung-yoon stated, "Yoon Taek and I have always received the same fee. Even the 'natural persons' appearing on the show receive payment."
Both expressed their affection for the program. Lee Seung-yoon said, "Our goal is to become the longest-running show in Korea. We aim to continue hosting together for a long time."
Yoon Taek added, "I used to think 10 years would be enough, but it's already been 15 years. I plan to step down after 20 years."
When Kim Yong-man asked, "Will you leave if Yoon Taek does?" Lee Seung-yoon replied, "Yes, if Yoon Taek steps down, I will too," hinting at a joint departure.
Na-yeon Cho, TenAsia Reporter nybluebook@tenasia.co.kr