[Exclusive] Jun Hyun-moo’s ‘I Live Alone’ manipulation allegations eventually reach the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

‌The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is looking into the controversy surrounding filming support for the impromptu trip to Almaty, Kazakhstan, featured on the MBC entertainment program ‘I Live Alone’ starring entertainer Jun Hyun-moo.
It was confirmed on the 26th that the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Almaty received a civil complaint requesting verification of the filming support for ‘I Live Alone’ in Almaty and a request to improve the driver's license information system in Kazakhstan.
The Consulate General in Almaty is the diplomatic mission directly overseeing Almaty, Kazakhstan, where the controversy arose. Almaty is also the city where the Consulate General is located.
The core of the complaint is that the Almaty city government and MBC are presenting different positions regarding the filming of ‘I Live Alone’ in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
On the 21st, while introducing the filming of ‘I Live Alone’ in Almaty on the integrated website of Kazakhstan government agencies, Almaty city stated, “The filming was conducted with the support of the Almaty Tourism Bureau.” Almaty introduced the broadcast as an instance of introducing Almaty to Korean viewers, noting that Jun Hyun-moo visited Almaty International Airport, Kok Tobe, Green Bazaar, Arbat, Kaindy Lake, etc.
The explanation from the ‘I Live Alone’ production team was different. The production team released a statement on the 25th saying, “We have not received any filming support or sponsorship regarding this trip to Kazakhstan.” They also maintained that Jun Hyun-moo's trip proceeded exactly as shown on the broadcast, with the destination being decided at the airport just before departure.
The main point of this complaint is to verify the reality of the 'support' through diplomatic and consular channels.
The first subject of verification is what the 'support' announced by Almaty city actually means. The complainant requested, “If there was support, please officially verify the type, scope, timing, and quid pro quo, the initial point of contact between the broadcast production staff and the Tourism Bureau, and the existence of prior consultations and business records related to tourism promotion.”
In particular, it was noted that a distinction must be made between tourism information/administrative services that general filming crews or travelers can receive and special support provided separately for the filming of ‘I Live Alone.’
The issue regarding the driver's license that arose during Jun Hyun-moo's local driving process was also included in the request for investigation.
The production team explained that Jun Hyun-moo rented a vehicle by submitting an international driving permit and a passport as requested by a local rental car company just before departing Kazakhstan. As inquiries from viewers continued after watching the broadcast, they checked with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Kazakhstan and stated, “We belatedly confirmed that a separate notarization process was required.”
In fact, on the 25th, the Embassy separately re-announced 'Precautions for local driving for short-term visitors (travelers) to Kazakhstan.' It stated firmly that even with an international driving permit, one cannot drive without the original Republic of Korea driver's license and a Russian notarized translation of said license.
Because of this, the investigation request included a demand to check whether official guidance is being properly communicated to actual short-term travelers, regardless of whether Jun Hyun-moo personally violated any laws.
Whether the Consulate General in Almaty will request factual verification from the Almaty city government or the Tourism Bureau by September 3rd, and how they will verify and respond to the two conflicting official positions, is expected to be the next turning point in this controversy.
[Exclusive] Jun Hyun-moo’s ‘I Live Alone’ manipulation allegations eventually reach the Ministry of Foreign Affairsm.entertain.naver.com