The Biggest Korean Variety Star Urgently Cancels Variety Show Filming Due To Health Issues For The First Time Since Debut

“National MC” Yoo Jae Suk urgently canceled a variety program recording due to declining health.

Per a My Daily report on September 22, Yoo Jae Suk gathered near Jongno, Seoul, that day for filming of SBS’s “Whenever There’s A Gap,” but right before the “action” cue, he informed the production staff of his condition and ultimately withdrew from the schedule. The decision to cancel was reportedly made shortly after he greeted the staff on set.

On-site staff shared, “He looked unwell from the moment he arrived, and everyone was worried,” adding that “Yoo Jae Suk apologized to the staff and asked for their understanding.”

According to an insider, Yoo Jae Suk was dealing with a cold, body aches, and a high fever that day. He reportedly pushed through and showed up to the filming site despite feeling unwell, but ultimately wasn’t able to recover, and the segment is said to have been postponed as a result.

This reportedly marks the first time since his debut that Yoo Jae Suk has stopped filming partway through the day due to health issues. In 2021, he tested positive for COVID-19 and canceled a recording of tvN’s “You Quiz On The Block” in advance, but he had never before halted a schedule on-site because of his condition. Given his long-standing reputation for reliability, with no history of lateness or absences throughout his career, many have called this cancellation especially unusual.

Born in 1972, Yoo Jae Suk made his entertainment debut in 1991 through the 1st KBS College Gag Festival. In 2008, he married former MBC announcer Na Kyung Eun, who is nine years his junior, and the two share a son and a daughter. Having built a steady, sincere image since his debut, fans have expressed growing concern following news of his health.

During his time on MBC’s “Infinite Challenge,” Yoo Jae Suk recorded a remarkable 30.4% viewership rating during a special episode featuring extras from the drama “Yi San,” which helped earn him the nickname “National MC.” He currently stars in “Whenever There’s A Gap,” a variety show built around the concept of delivering small fortunes during life’s short spare moments, which has now reached its fifth season and airs weekly on Sundays at 9 p.m.

Source: (A)