Shin Jung-hwan's Controversial Return: Can He Win Back the Audience?

Reporter Jung Se-yoon from TenAsia brings you intriguing broadcasting issues with a unique perspective.

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Shin Jung-hwan, a broadcaster who was previously sentenced to prison for illegal gambling, is attempting a comeback. Despite previous attempts to return through variety shows and YouTube, he failed to capture significant attention. Now, as he reappears on YouTube, public opinion remains divided.

On the 25th, comedian Lee Yong-jin's YouTube channel featured a video titled 'The 22nd Shin Jung-hwan Mockery Party 2.' In the video, Shin explained his participation by saying, "17 years ago, my manager worked at Samsung. When I suddenly stopped my activities, he reappeared after 16-17 years, saying he wanted to revive me, and quit his job. That's how we ended up doing this program together."

In the video, Shin and the panelists casually used gambling as a comedic element. Shin commented on the green casino mat in front of him, "Seeing green makes me feel at ease. My hands are itching." He also joked while handling poker cards, "It's been a while since I held these."

Lee Yong-jin also brought up Shin's past by saying, "Dengue hair is basic, right?" Shin responded, "I saw comments saying 'Shin Jung-hwan uses dengue shampoo.' When I return from somewhere, people ask, 'Where did you get dengue?'" He laughed, adding, "People ask if they hear 'gambling, gambling, gambling' when I walk."

Previously, Shin was sentenced to eight months in prison in 2010 for overseas gambling. At the time, he falsely claimed to have contracted dengue fever in the Philippines and released fake hospitalization photos, which led to public outrage.

In the video, Shin expressed his desire to return to broadcasting, mentioning offers from popular family programs and saying, "Viewers ask if I'm returning to 'Radio Star.' Try casting me as an MC for two episodes." In June, he also expressed his willingness to return on another YouTube channel, saying, "Give me a call. Hire me. My value is at its lowest right now."

The video sparked mixed reactions from netizens. Some expressed positive sentiments, saying, "He's still so funny," "I want to see him on TV again," and "It's nice to see him after a long time." However, others were critical, stating, "I don't want to see him," "A criminal appearing so shamelessly," and "Mentioning gambling and dengue as comedic elements is distasteful."

A broadcasting insider commented, "The public's moral standards for celebrities are much higher now," adding, "Instead of turning controversies into humor, showing genuine sincerity is necessary to find a place in the industry." As Shin Jung-hwan, once a leading figure in variety shows, attempts to return to the spotlight, all eyes are on his next move.

Reporter Jung Se-yoon, TenAsia yoon@tenasia.co.kr