Comedian Yang Sang-guk is facing a sudden attitude controversy after appearing on the web variety show Just an Excuse. As he enjoys a resurgence in popularity, some of his remarks — and how he addressed senior host Yoo Jae-suk — have sparked sharply divided reactions online.
In the May 2 episode of Just an Excuse, Nam Chang-hee, Han Sang-jin, and Yang Sang-guk chatted with Yoo Jae-suk in a freewheeling setting. One hot topic was dating views. Yang said he doesn’t restrict his partner and doesn’t want to be restricted himself. He added that he has rarely walked a girlfriend home, explaining, “If it’s not something I’ll do for life, I don’t do it from the start.”
Yoo Jae-suk advised that in a relationship, check-ins or seeing someone off can be about care and safety rather than suspicion. Nam Chang-hee shared a similar view, but Yang drew a line, saying, “That’s Yoo Jae-suk’s dating style.” When Yoo tried to offer his opinion again, Yang said, “Say it one more time and I’ll scold you,” leaving the other cast members visibly flustered.
The issue wasn’t a one-off moment. Yang alternated between calling Yoo “senior” and “Mr. Yoo Jae-suk,” and when group rules came up, he described Yoo as “a slippery type,” literally “mudfish style.” Nam Chang-hee and Han Sang-jin responded with jokes like, “You’re the only one who would say that to Jae-suk,” and, “Is this your retirement episode?”
After the video dropped, some viewers argued Yang’s remarks felt rude and went beyond a playful variety-show bit — especially given the significant seniority gap. Others countered that it was just banter within Just an Excuse’s free-spirited talk format and that the outrage was overblown.
Meanwhile, Yang Sang-guk has been drawing fresh attention on MBC’s Hangout with Yoo with his ‘Prince of Gimhae’ character. With momentum on his side, fans are watching to see whether this flare-up will blow over as a minor hiccup or leave a mark on his image.