Did 'I Live Alone' Rig Jun Hyun-moo's Kazakhstan Rental Car? The Truth Behind His 14-Day Impromptu Trip

The other side of an 'impromptu trip': A farce fueled by a lack of local information

MBC's popular variety show 'I Live Alone' has categorically denied 'rigging allegations' surrounding broadcaster 'Jun Hyun-moo's' impromptu trip to Kazakhstan. The show's official explanation is that he inadvertently violated traffic laws after relying on incorrect guidance from a local rental car company.

In a statement released on the 25th, the production team said, "Jun Hyun-moo's trip to Kazakhstan unfolded exactly as shown on the program." The producers dismissed speculation that the trip had been staged, adding, "Just before departure, he rented the vehicle at the airport after submitting only the 'international driver's license' and passport requested by the local rental car company."

The controversy began with the episode that aired on the 14th. The program showed Jun Hyun-moo setting off for Almaty, Kazakhstan, on a whim and renting a car. Shortly after the broadcast, however, reports emerged that 'notarized documents' were required in advance to drive in Kazakhstan. Some viewers began to suspect that "the production team had staged an impromptu trip after making thorough preparations."

As the producers investigated, they conducted a fact check through the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Kazakhstan. They belatedly learned that a separate 'notarization process' was required to drive locally. In the end, they violated the law after relying solely on the rental company's lax guidance.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also moved quickly in response. It promptly posted a safety notice on its overseas travel safety website titled 'Precautions for Short-Term Visitors Driving in Kazakhstan'. According to the notice, travelers must carry the original Republic of Korea driver's license and a 'notarized Russian translation', among other documents, to drive legally.

The production team said, "The embassy also told us it would strengthen its guidance because many citizens suffer losses due to a lack of local information," and promised, "There was no filming support or sponsorship of any kind, and we will exercise even greater care in producing future broadcasts."