[Credit: MBC] The 304th episode of How Do You Play?, titled A Gathering of Unpopular People and aired on November 8, shed light on the growing pressure for celebrities to maintain constant approachability. As the industry increasingly praises those with a friendly image and strong fan service skills, stars often face blurred boundaries in personal interactions.
[Credit: MBC] While autographs, selfies, and brief chats are considered normal fan behavior, touching or overly casual speech can quickly turn uncomfortable. During the broadcast, Jung Jun Ha, Kim Kwang Kyu, and Heo Kyung Hwan openly discussed their experiences with intrusive encounters, reflecting on how the expectation to always appear kind and accessible sometimes leaves them vulnerable to disrespectful behavior from overenthusiastic fans.
[Credit: MBC] Jung Jun Ha recalled a startling moment when a stranger suddenly hugged him from behind while he was dining with a friend. Mistaking the person for someone he knew, he turned around only to find an unfamiliar fan. Shocked, he confronted them, asking what they were doing, to which the fan replied that they simply wanted a hug.
[Credit: MBC] Jung responded sharply, questioning whether being a fan entitled someone to such physical contact. Heo Kyung Hwan shared a similar situation where he had to physically block a phone when someone abruptly tried to take his photo. Kim Kwang Kyu added with a mix of humor and discomfort that while he does not mind hugs, he often finds people touching his hair without permission, which feels strange.
[Credit: MBC] The segment also discussed how some celebrities face criticism for not appearing cheerful or greeting fans enthusiastically, highlighting the entertainment industry’s growing pressure for public figures to always be approachable and pleasant, often at the cost of personal boundaries.
[Credit: MBC] Jung Jun Ha recalled a startling moment when a stranger suddenly hugged him from behind while he was dining with a friend. Mistaking the person for someone he knew, he turned around only to find an unfamiliar fan. Shocked, he confronted them, asking what they were doing, to which the fan replied that they simply wanted a hug.
[Credit: MBC] Jung responded sharply, questioning whether being a fan entitled someone to such physical contact. Heo Kyung Hwan shared a similar situation where he had to physically block a phone when someone abruptly tried to take his photo. Kim Kwang Kyu added with a mix of humor and discomfort that while he does not mind hugs, he often finds people touching his hair without permission, which feels strange. The segment also discussed how some celebrities face criticism for not appearing cheerful or greeting fans enthusiastically, highlighting the entertainment industry’s growing pressure for public figures to always be approachable and pleasant, often at the cost of personal boundaries.
