'I Live Alone' crew skips awards ceremony amid manipulation allegations

The production team behind MBC's variety program "I Live Alone" skipped a scheduled public event as the show remains embroiled in allegations that broadcaster Jeon Hyun-moo's Kazakhstan trip was staged.

The "2026 Brand of the Year" awards ceremony was held Tuesday at the Seoul Shilla Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul. "I Live Alone" was named the winner in the observational variety program category for the fifth consecutive year, but producer Jeong Ji-woon, who had been scheduled to attend, did not appear.

Jeong had been expected to pose at the photo wall and deliver an acceptance speech. He notified organizers of his absence that morning, according to reports.

Speculation has emerged that the production team felt pressure to avoid public appearances in the wake of the manipulation allegations surrounding the show.

The controversy stems from episodes that aired Aug. 14 and Aug. 21, in which Jeon appeared to spontaneously choose a travel destination at Incheon International Airport before departing on a trip.

The destination Jeon selected was Almaty, Kazakhstan.

After the episodes aired, questions arose over the authenticity of the trip when viewers pointed out that renting a car in Almaty requires additional procedures beyond an international driver's license, such as notarization. The controversy grew when allegations surfaced that the Almaty Tourism Authority had provided assistance during filming.

The production team initially denied receiving any filming support or sponsorship related to the Kazakhstan trip. As the controversy continued, they issued a follow-up statement acknowledging that a local agency had provided cooperation, but drew a line between that and any financial support.

"There was no monetary sponsorship or production cost support from the Almaty City Tourism Authority for the Kazakhstan episode," the team said. "We are clarifying that the shoot proceeded smoothly with administrative assistance for the necessary local procedures and on-site filming cooperation."