Variety Show Appearances Backfired: Lee Hee-joon’s “Self-Pity” and Lee Je-hoon’s “Lack of Life Skills” Hurt Public Favorability
However, for Lee Hee-joon and Lee Je-hoon, their recent appearances seem to have done more harm than good, highlighting unflattering traits rather than boosting their appeal.
On the January 12 episode of JTBC’s “Please Take Care of My Refrigerator”, Song Joong-ki and Lee Hee-joon appeared as guests. During the show, Lee Hee-joon drew attention with his peculiar behavior and statements. He commented “I don’t care about taste” while dipping vegetables into truffle oil, leaving viewers puzzled. His well-stocked refrigerator also hinted at a comfortable lifestyle.
Expressing self-pity, Lee Hee-joon said “I feel sorry for myself having to eat within 15~20 minutes”, but this sentiment failed to resonate with most viewers, given its stark contrast to the realities of the average office worker. He also shared that he eats rice and seaweed soup prepared by his wife every morning, further weakening his narrative. When Chef Choi Hyun-seok’s dish moved him, he again lamented “I’ve been living so hard that I didn’t even realize how things tasted” and shed tears. This exaggerated reaction struck many as unnatural.
The most contentious moment was his attitude toward Chef Kim Poong. When Kim Poong chose him, Lee Hee-joon failed to manage his expression, displaying visible displeasure and showing disrespect toward Kim Poong’s dish. Even when Song Joong-ki gave positive feedback, Lee Hee-joon didn’t respond. Known for his solid acting skills, Lee Hee-joon’s demeanor on “Please Take Care of My Refrigerator” fell short of public expectations, damaging his image.
Meanwhile, Lee Je-hoon, currently appearing on tvN’s “Rented in Finland”, has also faced disappointing reactions. The program, which first aired on December 6, 2024, features Lee Je-hoon, Lee Dong-hwi, Kwak Dong-yeon and Cha Eun-woo in a travel reality format that initially garnered anticipation. However, after its release, it faced criticism as “a celebrity travel show lacking both fun and emotion”.
Lee Je-hoon particularly drew criticism for his lack of life skills. At 40, he struggled to make scrambled eggs properly, sparking debate among viewers. As someone who had previously displayed charm in independent films and variety shows, expectations for his capability in everyday tasks were high, making his shortcomings even more glaring.
“Rented in Finland” premiered with a 3.3% viewership rating but dropped to 2.4% in recent episodes, casting doubt on its success. This disappointment was compounded by similar criticisms Lee Je-hoon faced during his 2019 appearance on JTBC’s “Traveler”.
Actors often venture into variety shows to reveal their authentic selves and connect with a broader audience. Both Lee Hee-joon and Lee Je-hoon likely hoped to receive positive responses for showing different sides of their personalities. Unfortunately, instead of revealing hidden charms, their appearances showcased flaws that undermined their likability. This has led to criticism that their participation in variety shows may have been a “mistake better left undone“, underscoring the risks of such endeavors.
