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 adding to their appeal.
On the January 12th 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 attracted attention with his peculiar behavior and statements. He commented “I don’t care about the taste” as he dipped the vegetables in truffle oil, leaving onlookers perplexed. His well-stocked refrigerator also suggested 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 reality of the average employee. He also said 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 complained again: “I lived so hard that I didn’t even realize how things tasted“and shed tears. This exaggerated reaction seemed unnatural to many.
The most controversial moment was his attitude towards chef Kim Poong. When Kim Poong chose it, Lee Hee-joon couldn’t handle his expression, showing visible disappointment and disrespect towards 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 behavior in “Please Take Care of My Refrigerator” fell short of audience expectations, damaging his image.
Meanwhile, Lee Je-hoon, currently appearing on tvN’s “Rented in Finland,” 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 expectations. However, after its release, it was criticized as “a celebrity travel show devoid of fun and excitement”.
Lee Je-hoon has drawn criticism in particular for his lack of life skills. At 40, he struggled to make scrambled eggs correctly, sparking debate among viewers. As someone who had previously displayed charm in independent films and variety shows, expectations for his abilities in everyday tasks were high, making his flaws even more apparent.
“Rented in Finland” premiered with a viewership rate of 3.3%, but has dropped to 2.4% in recent episodes, casting doubt on its success. This disappointment was compounded by the similar criticism 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 wider audience. Both Lee Hee-joon and Lee Je-hoon probably hoped to receive positive responses for showing different sides of their personalities. Unfortunately, instead of revealing hidden charm, their appearance showed flaws that undermined their likability. This has led to criticism that their participation in variety shows may have been a “mistake that is better left unfinished“, underscoring the risks of such efforts.
