Broadcaster Jeon Hyun-moo rented and drove a car in Almaty on 'I Live Alone'
Embassy says original Korean license and Russian-language notarized translation required
![Broadcaster Jeon Hyun-moo decides on a spontaneous trip to Almaty, Kazakhstan, on MBC's "I Live Alone." [MBC "I Live Alone"]](https://wimg.heraldcorp.com/news/cms/2026/08/26/news-p.v1.20260825.cd402088993545f3902e2fcdc07b40ba_P1.jpg)
South Korea's embassy in Kazakhstan has issued a travel advisory warning that an international driver's license alone is not sufficient to drive in the country, amid a controversy over the authenticity of a segment on MBC's variety program "I Live Alone" in which broadcaster Jeon Hyun-moo takes a spontaneous trip to Almaty.
The embassy posted the notice Tuesday on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' safe travel page, outlining driving precautions for short-term visitors and tourists in Kazakhstan.
"Even if you hold an international driver's license, you cannot drive without the original South Korean driver's license and a notarized Russian-language translation," the embassy said.
South Korea issues international driver's licenses under the Geneva Convention, but Kazakhstan is a signatory to the Vienna Convention and does not recognize international licenses issued under the Geneva framework. Getting an international driver's license notarized at a South Korean embassy or consulate general does not make it valid for driving locally, either.
The Aug. 14 and Aug. 21 showings of "I Live Alone" showed Jeon making an impromptu decision to travel to Almaty. He decided on the spot at Incheon International Airport to fly there, then rented a vehicle and drove himself around the city.
After the episodes aired, questions arose over whether the trip had been pre-arranged or sponsored. The production team issued a statement Tuesday saying "Jeon Hyun-moo's trip to Kazakhstan was exactly as shown on air," adding that he had submitted his international driver's license and passport as required by the local rental company at the airport just before departing and rented the vehicle.
The team said it "later confirmed that a separate notarization process was required," and added that the embassy had informed them that many Korean nationals had run into problems because of this issue and that it would again publicize the requirement to prevent further harm to visitors.
The production team also said it "did not receive any filming support or sponsorship in connection with this trip to Kazakhstan."
jshan@heraldcorp.com
