KBS Postpones “Come Back Home” Production, But Denies Relation To Actor Jo Byung Gyu’s Bullying Scandal

When KBS announced the production of its brand new variety program, Come Back Home — featuring the beloved TV personality Yoo Jae Suk and The Uncanny Counter actor Jo Byung Gyu, it attracted quite a bit of attention.

Yoo Jae Suk (left) and Jo Byung Gyu (right) on “Hangout With Yoo.” | @hangout_with_yoo/Instagram

The overview of the show contributed to building high anticipation too, as it aimed to embrace and encourage the younger generation that move to Seoul and struggle to make something of their lives.

The show had been set to begin shooting on February 20, 2021 — according to an exclusive report by SPOTV News. It is scheduled to air some time in the first half of 2021. The production, however, has now been postponed with no exact date mentioned.

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With actor Jo Byung Gyu’s recent school bullying allegations, viewers are questioning whether the postponement is in any relation to the actor’s involvement in the show.

KBS denied, commenting that the production has been halted because of a titling issue.

The title of the program didn’t get finalized as quickly as we had hoped. The delay in coming up with the name is why the production has been pushed back.

— KBS Come Back Home Production Team

Meanwhile, viewers remain curious as to if Come Back Home will keep the rumored actor on the show. None of the allegations against Jo Byung Gyu has been confirmed true, but some viewers believe it “may be wise to remove him from the show before the production even begins,” since he “would not be welcomed by the public” if the allegations ever turn out be true.

| theqoo

Others believe Jo Byung Gyu is “innocent until proven guilty,” hence his place on the show should not be compromised because of some unverifiable scandal.

Jo Byung Gyu (right) on “Hangout With Yoo.” | @hangout_with_yoo/Instagram

On the other hand, MBC’s Hangout With Yoo aired its second part of the episode featuring Jo Byung Gyu. MBC’s website has since been flooded with viewer complaints about the program’s decision against editing out the actor in question.

MBC’s “Hangout With Yoo” viewer comments page. | iMBC

“You should have edited the school bully out.”
“Is Hangout With Yoo trying to be supportive of a bully?”
“This only hurts the bullying victims even more.”
“I’m offended.”
“You can’t air an episode without editing out an actor who is facing school bullying allegations.”
“I spy a school bully.”
“I’m a huge fan of this program, but I was disappointed by today’s episode. MBC should not be supporting an alleged bully. Was this the best you could do?”

Watch KBS’s “2021 Blockbuster Project” Come Back Home teaser here:

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