Travel creator Wonji, who weathered heavy backlash over an "office controversy," is heading overseas again via a new EBS variety program — her first broadcast appearance since the flap.
On the 8th, EBS announced that rapper-TV personality Defconn and webtoon-artist-turned host Kim Poong will lead the new show Chwimineun Gwahak Yeohaeng, with Wonji joining the lineup. The program blends travel variety with educational elements as the cast meets scientists around the world and explores nature, technology and culture through a scientific lens.
The cast includes Defconn, Kim Poong, Professors Dae-han Lee and Hong-je Jang, and science communicator Hangseong. They plan to visit hard-to-access sites such as Switzerland's Rhône Glacier, Zurich Zoo and a U.S. robotics lab, bringing viewers to the front lines where science meets everyday life. Wonji appears in the Switzerland and U.S. episodes, drawing on her on-the-ground chops from past travel shows.
Her addition, however, has split opinion. Recently, Wonji was slammed after posting an office tour showing staff working two floors underground (B2) in a windowless space of about six pyeong — roughly 19.8 square meters (213 square feet). Comments like "The work environment looks like a prison" and "This is worker exploitation" poured in. Wonji set the video to private, apologized for "a lack of consideration as an employer," and promised to relocate the office.
Even so, the blowback was significant. Her YouTube subscriber count, which once topped 1 million, fell by about 30,000, dipping below the seven-figure mark. With the stakes high, all eyes are on whether this TV return can flip the script.
Meanwhile, EBS's Chwimineun Gwahak Yeohaeng premieres at 10:50 p.m. on Dec. 15.