KB News Desk
Popular TV show faces scrutiny after Almaty says filming was organized with tourism authorities, as producers insist Jeon’s trip unfolded as shown
The reality series “I Live Alone,” which portrays the everyday lives of single celebrities, is facing questions over whether a Kazakhstan trip presented as an impromptu decision by TV personality Jeon Hyun-moo was actually arranged in advance with support from authorities in the country.
Jeon’s trip to Almaty was featured in two episodes of the MBC program, beginning Aug. 14. In the episodes, Jeon decides at Incheon Airport to fly to Almaty on a whim. After arriving, he rents a car and drives around the city.
But the portrayal drew scrutiny after the official Almaty city government website said on Aug. 21 that filming for the program had been organized with support from the Almaty Tourism Department.
“Almaty was featured in a new episode of ‘I Live Alone,’ one of South Korea’s most popular entertainment programs,” the post said, adding that “the filming in Kazakhstan was organized with the support of the Almaty Tourism Department.”
Some viewers also questioned a scene showing Jeon renting a car and driving shortly after arriving at Almaty International Airport. They raised concerns about whether the rental process could have been completed so quickly and whether additional documents may be required for South Korean drivers in Kazakhstan.
The production team on Tuesday denied that the trip had been staged and said it did not receive any filming support or sponsorship. It said that by relying solely on guidance from the local rental car company, Jeon and the “I Live Alone” crew inadvertently violated local traffic regulations.
“Jeon Hyun-moo’s trip to Kazakhstan took place exactly as shown on the program. Just before departing for Kazakhstan, he submitted the international driving permit and passport required by the local rental car company at the airport and rented a vehicle,” the statement said.
“Following the broadcast, there were inquiries about how to use rental cars locally. After checking with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Kazakhstan, the production team learned only afterward that a separate notarization process was required,” it said.
“The embassy said that many Korean nationals have experienced problems locally due to this issue and that it would provide additional guidance to help prevent visitors from encountering similar difficulties,” the statement added.
According to the embassy’s notice, travelers wishing to drive in Kazakhstan must carry their original South Korean driver’s license along with a notarized Russian translation of the license, a document translated and notarized by a notary office or a translation and notarization document issued by a South Korean diplomatic mission.
Jeon did not have the required notarization document when he rented the car, according to producers.
