Korea’s Favorite “Ahjussi” Star Gets Discouraged By Criticism—Netizens Slam “Hateful” Reporter
Choo Sung Hoon, a former MMA fighter-turned-Korea’s favorite ahjussi star, took to Instagram to share his thoughts about a scathing Tenasia article about his recent low TV ratings—and how his being involved in too many shows might actually backfire.
The article headline read, as captured in his Stories update, “Choo Sung Hoon Everywhere On TV, But Ratings Flop… Overexposure From Too Many Shows Raises Concerns [TEN People].”
To that, Choo Sung Hoon sounded discouraged but still determined to keep working hard:
Thanks to all of you, I’ve been able to appear on many TV programs and work hard, but it’s never easy. I still feel that my skills are lacking in many ways. I will take this as a chance to reset my mindset and do my very best from the beginning. Hwaiting to me!
— Choo Sung Hoon
Seeing their favorite ahjussi so disheartened, Korean netizens slammed the press reporter for being unnecessarily malicious.
- “Why wouldn’t he strike while the iron’s hot? Ahjussi, hwaiting!”
- “Hwaiting ahjussi!“
- “Choo Sung Hoon always gives his all in his shows. It’s great. So why the hate? It’s fine if he does a lot of shows, seriously. Ahjussi, don’t pay attention to the hate.”
- “This isn’t even Choo Sung Hoon’s fault. Why is the article written like that?”
- “Malicious reporters are the ones who are everywhere stirring things up. If you don’t have a real story, just put down your pen.”
- “Hwaiting to him!”
- “Waiting for Health Farmer again today. Ahjussi, hwaiting!”
- “Hwaiting ahjussi!”
- “Aw, ahjussi. Forget about hateful commentary like that. I’m enjoying all of your shows. Hwaiting!!!“
Currently, Choo Sung Hoon is a regular on four variety programs like tvN’s Health Farmer and Chaga-ne, Channel A’s Chef and the Hunter, and JTBC’s Can’t Do It Alone. Despite his active presence, the shows’ ratings have hovered around 0–1%. His latest program on MBC, Manito Club, premiered on February 1, 2026 (KST), and he is also set to appear in SBS Plus’ A Man’s Travel Guide in April.
Read more about Choo Sung Hoon here:
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