MBC is facing backlash for promoting its upcoming drama, Undercover High School, just as Lee Se Young and Na In Woo’s Motel California began airing.

On January 16, MBC released the official poster for Undercover High School, a Friday-Saturday drama set to premiere on February 21.

The story follows a National Intelligence Service agent going undercover as a high school student to locate Emperor Gojong’s lost treasure. This will also be Seo Kang Joon’s first project after his military service.

While fans are excited for the new drama, many are questioning the timing of the promotion. Critics argue that the early campaign is overshadowing Motel California, which only recently started airing.

Motel California tells the story of a woman raised in a rural motel who returns to her hometown after 12 years. She reconnects with her first love, sparking a heartfelt and comedic "first-love renovation romance."

The show stars Lee Se Young, who shines with her signature rom-com charm, and Na In Woo, who undergoes a dramatic transformation, including wearing 120kg of special effects makeup.

Despite its fresh start, with only two episodes aired so far, Motel California is already competing for attention due to the sudden spotlight on Undercover High School.

Industry insiders have voiced concerns about MBC's decision. A broadcasting official stated, “Promotion for the next drama usually begins when the current one is nearing its end. Starting so early risks creating unnecessary competition and sends a message that MBC may lack confidence in Motel California.”

Fans of Motel California expressed frustration online, saying, “It’s disrespectful to the cast and crew who worked hard on this drama. Give them the attention they deserve!”

With the third episode of Motel California set to air on January 17, viewers are hoping MBC will refocus its efforts on supporting the show while it’s still finding its footing.

Source: [1]

IU recently revealed that she watched her own concert film in a public theater, but shockingly, no one recognized her—even when she dropped a hint!

On February 27, a new video featuring IU was released, showing her inside a car on her way to Daejeon.

She excitedly shared, “This is a surprise stage greeting for UAENA! I picked this location through a ladder game when I did stage greetings.”

Previously, IU had let fate decide which city she would visit after her stage greetings. She happily said, “There are UAENAs everywhere I go. Wherever I go, it's a flowery path.” The game ultimately led her to Daejeon.

IU originally hoped to explore the city, saying, “I wanted to visit Daejeon's pride, Sung Sim Dang, and walk around, but my team said it wouldn’t be possible. The lines are too long, and it’s freezing outside.” She sighed, adding, “So, things turned out this way.”

Dressed up for the occasion, IU smiled, saying, “I don’t get to meet UAENAs in Daejeon often, so I wanted to make a surprise appearance looking my best.”

She also joked about enjoying surprise events, adding, “As long as Hanteo oppa drives me safely, I’m happy.”

But what really caught fans' attention was IU’s unexpected confession—she had secretly watched her concert film in a theater, but no one noticed her! “No one recognized me at all. There weren’t that many people, and it was a weekday… but still! I even gave a hint!” she said, sounding both amused and surprised.

Later, when IU finally appeared at the theater, her fans were overwhelmed with emotion. Some even burst into tears, prompting her to gently say, “You really didn’t expect me to come, right?”

After wrapping up her stage greeting, IU laughed at herself, saying, “Wait, did I just do a 40-minute one-woman show? I must have talked so much.”

On her way back to Seoul, IU reflected on the day, sharing, “It was so cold today. I shook hands with all the UAENAs. My hands are usually cold, and since the weather was freezing, I think I made a lot of people’s hands cold, too. But after touching so many warm hands, mine became warm, too. I still haven’t washed them.”

Her love for her fans truly knows no bounds!

Source: [1]