‘Burning Trotman’ Hwang Young-woong, will he ‘abruptly leave’ before the finals?

Gamgam goto (sweet taste, swallow it if it is sweet, spit it out if it is bitter). This is a fitting term for these days' 'burning trotmen' who are selective in their criticism of participants and programs.

On the 22nd, Hwang Young-woong was pointed out by anonymous Mr. A as the perpetrator of the assault. Mr. A revealed that he was suddenly assaulted after refusing Hwang Young-woong's request to drink more alcohol during his birthday party, and that he is still suffering from aftereffects such as distorted teeth.

Mr. A sued Hwang Young-woong on charges of injury, and Hwang Young-woong also counter-sued Mr. A on charges of assault on both sides. Afterwards, Mr. A reached an agreement with Hwang Young-woong for 3 million won, including treatment costs, but Hwang Young-woong did not make any apology.

As the finals of 'Burning Trotman' will be held on the 28th, both the broadcaster and viewers are in an awkward situation due to the suspicion of assault that emerged 5 days before the finals. In particular, Hwang Young-woong took first place in the semi-finals and is called the ‘second Lim Young-woong’. He is also considered a strong candidate to win ‘Burning Trotman’.

Recently, photos of Hwang Young-woong from the past have also spread, causing controversy because he has tattoos on his arms and back. Some say that it is an irezumi (Japanese word for inserting ink) tattoo, also known as a ‘gangster tattoo’.

However, this is not the first time that Hwang Young-woong has faced controversy in the past. He has already suffered from suspicions of 'pushing' from judge Cho Joo-jo.

It is known that Jo Jo Jo's former agency, CEO A of Woori Planning, handed over Hwang Young-woong's number to the production team when 'Flaming Trotman' was conducting an audition. Rumor has it that Ulsan-born Hwang Young-woong's agency was located in a rural area and did not know how to participate in the audition, so they personally 'connected' him to the production team.

Was it because CEO A came forward and recommended Hwang Young-woong to the production team? There were rumors that Hwang Young-woong was in the same agency as Jo Jo Jo-jo. In addition, suspicions were raised that Cho Jo Jo was a key judge of 'Burning Trotman' and may have supported Hwang Young-woong.

Until then, the production team of ‘Burning Trotman’ kept quiet about everything related to Hwang Young-woong’s agency, saying they could not reveal it in order to protect the cast. In addition, the production team kept it top secret until the end even when the production company Crea Studio was also criticized.

But this time was different. On the 22nd, Crea Studio, led by PD Seo Hye-jin, announced the launch of a female version of 'Burning T-Tot Man'. The working title is ‘Flaming Trot Girl’. The goal is to broadcast next spring.

In other words, as soon as the news of Hwang Young-woong's alleged assault became known, the media's attention immediately turned to the 'Burning Trot Girl'. Unlike the last time, where he protected Hwang Young-woong until the end, this time it seems as if he is ‘cutting off’.

Did they announce the launch of ‘Burning Trot Girl’ because they wanted to quickly erase the traces of ‘Burning Trot Man’? Ahead of the finals, it is unclear whether the production team of 'Burning Trotman' will embrace Hwang Young-woong until the end.

Ryu Ye-ji, Ten Asia Reporter ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr