[Sportschosun Jo Yoon-sun reporter] Ji Seok-jin opened up about the painful memory of losing an MC position right before it was his.
On the 26th, YouTube channel Fifteen released a video titled "Na Young-seok/Single/When I Was 29, a Chat Session with the Sisters of Yeogeol Five | Na Young-seok's Soft and Warm Moments."
The video showed Ji Seok-jin, who had hosted KBS 2TV's "Yeogeol Five" with members Lee Kyung-sil, Jo Hye-ryeon, and Jeong Seon-hee, meeting with producer Na Young-seok and writer Lee Woo-jung to reminisce about the past.
That day, Lee Kyung-sil praised Ji Seok-jin, saying, "I thought very highly of Ji Seok-jin. I saw his potential while doing 'Truth Game.'"
In response, Ji Seok-jin recalled, "Since 'Truth Game' came up, there was a time when Lee Sung-mi, who was the MC then, went to Canada and the position became vacant." He added, "The producer in charge asked to meet one day and said that I was a panelist, but he wanted me to take over as MC. At the time, it was a very bold proposal."
He continued, "I thought Lee Kyung-sil, who was the MC at the time, had also agreed, so I said I would be very grateful to do it." He then gave a bitter laugh and said, "But a week later, the producer asked to meet again and told me, 'I submitted it upstairs, but it was rejected.' It was that bold of a casting decision."
Lee Kyung-sil, hearing this for the first time, could not hide her shocked expression, while Jeong Seon-hee sympathized, saying, "That must have been so hurtful."
Ji Seok-jin said, "It was hurtful. I thought I might not be able to continue on the program, so I stepped down too." He added, "In the end, Yoo Jeong-hyeon became the MC." Jo Hye-ryeon then revealed, "When we were putting together the 'Yeogeol Five' members, Lee Kyung-sil recommended Ji Seok-jin."
Jeong Seon-hee said, "Ji Seok-jin is still like that now. Even when things are chaotic and everyone's lines overlap, he slips in smoothly like water." She added, "He is like a liquid with no solid form. He blends in so well, and he's a bit neutral, without much masculinity," drawing laughter.
Ji Seok-jin recalled, "During 'Yeogeol Five,' my waiting room was separate from the female members'. Since I was alone, I was so bored that I went over there every day to hang out."
Writer Lee Woo-jung also praised Ji Seok-jin's character, saying, "Even though he was the MC, he never tried to do everything on his own and got along really well with the older sisters."
