Entire production crew leaves Jeon Won-ju's YouTube channel; agency says her health is 'perfectly fine'

The entire production crew behind broadcaster Jeon Won-ju's YouTube channel has announced it is stepping down.

On Monday, the production team of the YouTube channel "Jeon Won-ju_Jeon Won-ju-in-gong" posted a statement saying, "We, the production crew who have produced and operated the channel since its launch, would like to bid farewell as we will no longer be producing the channel."

The team added that it was "deeply grateful for the love and attention viewers have shown the channel from the very beginning," and said all crew members had "spent a joyful and happy year thanks to our subscribers and Jeon Won-ju."

The sudden departure prompted some subscribers to express concern about Jeon's health — particularly after a recently uploaded video in which she appeared confused about her whereabouts resurfaced and fueled speculation about her condition.

Earlier, Jeon disclosed on the TV Chosun program "Perfect Life" in April that a health checkup had revealed she had mild cognitive impairment, a condition sometimes described as a precursor to dementia. Mild cognitive impairment involves a decline in memory, language or judgment below the average for one's age group but does not prevent a person from carrying out daily activities and is distinct from dementia.

Jeon's agency, Sky People Entertainment, told Spotv News that the crew change was "simply part of a process to reorganize the channel," adding that "her health is perfectly fine and there are no issues whatsoever with her broadcasting activities." The agency said she plans to return "with a fresh look around autumn."

Born in 1939, Jeon is 87 this year. She has maintained an active presence in broadcasting while running the YouTube channel, which has around 120,000 subscribers. She recently drew public attention after it emerged that SK hynix shares she had purchased for around 20,000 won ($14) per share had since risen roughly 70-fold in value.