Rowoon, controversial 3-stage combo since the beginning of the year... Words and actions as frivolous as a feather

Actor Rowoon has been causing various controversies since the beginning of the year. Rowoon won three awards while hosting the '2023 KBS Drama Awards', but was embroiled in controversy over his mistakes and qualifications.

Rowoon served as host along with broadcaster Jang Sung-gyu and actress Seol In-ah at the '2023 KBS Drama Awards' held at the KBS New Building Hall in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul on December 31 last year.

On this day, perhaps because he was nervous, Rowoon openly read the prompter hanging in front of him like a robot. Jang Seong-gyu, who worked with him, also seemed embarrassed by the lack of laughter or reaction.

Jang Seong-gyu also pointed out, “Please ask for my soul.” Unlike the other two MCs, who familiarized themselves with the script in advance and proceeded naturally, Rowoon focused his attention on the prompter.

Rowoon has appeared as an MC about 10 times since his debut, and recently appeared as a regular MC on an audition program. Nevertheless, his skills and efforts were difficult to find.

Moreover, on this day, Rowoon won the grand prize, beating Jang Dong-yoon (Excellence prize) of 'Oasis'. 'Oasis' recorded the highest viewership rating of 9.7% and ranked first among KBS mini-series.

Despite this, MC Rowoon, who was relatively low in terms of viewership and topicality, received the grand prize, leading to controversy over his unfair treatment of Jang Dong-yoon.

A further problem is Rowoon’s acceptance speech. Rowoon said, “As someone who likes acting and someone who wants to do well, I will continue to work hard,” and added, “Please watch with bleary eyes.”

Blurry eyes mean that even though you clearly know something is wrong, you try to ignore it and pretend not to know. Only he knows the true meaning of what Rowoon said, but if we were to substitute it for its original meaning, it can be interpreted as a request to roughly understand his lack of acting skills.

Rowoon used to destroy his own image with his own hands. It didn't take long for the favorability that had been raised through SF9 and various acting activities to collapse.

In 2024, I hope you have a kernel worthy of the shell.

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