Park Mi-sun set to appear on ‘You Quiz on the Block’ as Jo Se-ho faces charity event backlash
TV personalities Park Mi-sun and Jo Se-ho / Xportsnews
Comedian and TV host Park Mi-sun, who took a break from activities earlier this year after being diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, is set to return to television on tvN’s “You Quiz on the Block.”
But her comeback coincided with a growing controversy over co-host Jo Se-ho’s attendance at a breast cancer awareness event criticized for its tone-deaf presentation.
The issue erupted after fashion magazine W Korea hosted the 20th annual Breast Cancer Awareness Charity Gala on Wednesday at the Four Seasons in central Seoul.
Photos and videos from the event — showing celebrities in revealing outfits and raising glasses of champagne — sparked criticism that the event’s festive atmosphere undermined its intended message of cancer awareness and support.
As backlash intensified, W Korea issued a public apology on Sunday, four days after the event.
“In hindsight, some aspects of the program and presentation were inappropriate given the purpose of the campaign,” the magazine said in a statement. “We deeply apologize for failing to consider the feelings of breast cancer patients and their families and for causing discomfort and pain.”
Jo caught in controversy
Among the attendees was Jo Se-ho, who co-hosts “You Quiz on the Block” with Yoo Jae-suk.
In W Korea’s official video from the event, Jo was seen holding a drink alongside other celebrities, which triggered further backlash as the timing overlapped with news of Park Mi-sun’s recovery and upcoming appearance on the show.
Some social media users accused Jo of being careless, writing comments such as “Did he know what kind of event this was?” and “That was extremely thoughtless.”
Others, however, defended him, saying the responsibility lies with the organizers rather than the guests. “Is it fair to blame those invited? The problem is with the event planners,” one commenter wrote. “The people who attended are being criticized while those who organized it are not.”
Jo Se-ho, third from left, raises his glass during W Korea’s breast cancer awareness gala at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul, Wednesday. Captured from W Korea video
Park, 57, halted her activities in January following reports that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Her agency, Cube Entertainment, refrained from confirming details at the time, citing privacy.
After nearly ten months away from the spotlight, she is scheduled to appear on an upcoming episode of “You Quiz on the Block,” where she will speak openly about her treatment, recovery and time away from television.
This article from Xportsnews is translated by generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.